Oregon’s better snowpack, water supply outlook brings state denial of Jefferson County’s drought declaration request
MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) – A better winter snowpack for much of Oregon has improved water supply conditions to the point where Jefferson County’s request for a state drought declaration for the sixth straight year was denied, and a request for consideration Wednesday fared no better before the Oregon Drought Committee.
County Commissioner Kelly Simmelink and the county’s emergency manager, sheriff’s Sgt. Bryan Skidgel, joined a Zoom meeting Wednesday for the Water Supply Availability Committee conditions update, in a bid to reverse a recent decision denying the county's request.
After the meeting, Simmelink told us, “There was no change to Jefferson County’s request for a drought declaration, as the hydrological conditions do not indicate sufficient data to support anyone in the state having a drought declaration – yet.”
"The governors office, OWRD (Oregon Water Resources Dept) JCSO Emergency Mgmt. and others are committed to providing information to Jefferson County farmers/ranchers with regard to requirements for counties to become eligible for federal aid for disasters related to drought," Simmelink said in an email.
"It was discussed that the drought board will continue to monitor the situation, and they will do another update on June 12th," he added.
"I appreciate the process, and the level of data that is being presented. It is encouraging that the water supply is better; however it is still not half of what it should be on farms. We will continue to advocate and support our farmers and ranchers here in Jefferson County and I do appreciate the assistance and efforts of the governor, her office and the departments."
