Seeking assistance
By Larry Meyer - Argus Observer
Monday, September 10, 2007 10:53 AM PDT
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| Water meanders through this ditch with the Malheur Butte in the background. Lack of water has sparked an effort by area officials to gain state and federal assistance. Last week Oregon Gov. Ted Kulongoski signed a drought emergency executive order for Malheur County. |
VALE - Malheur County Emergency Services Commander Lt. Craig Smith reported Wednesday Oregon Gov. Ted Kulongoski had signed an executive order declaring a drought emergency in Malheur County because of the lack of moisture and low water conditions.
The move opens the way for area ranchers and farmers to receive state and federal assistance.
The next step for the county is to receive an emergency declaration from the United States Secretary of Agriculture, which, in turn, will spark assistance from that department.
Coordinating the effort to get federal assistance will be the Oregon Department of Agriculture. The Oregon Department Water Resources and the Oregon Office of Emergency Management are also directed to provide assistance as needed.
“A timely response to this situation being vital to the well being and economic security of the citizens and businesses of the Malheur County, I am therefore declaring a state of drought emergency,” the governor’s executive order said.
In other action, the County Court voted to award the franchise for operation of the county-owned landfill situated along Lytle Boulevard to Steve’s Backhoe Service, effective Nov. 1, when the current contract expires. The company was one of three that submitted a proposal and was interviewed by the court. Tom Braniff, who has been the operator for several years, did not submit a proposal.
Court members also signed a proclamation designating September as Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month in Malheur County. Several social service agencies are sponsoring free public events throughout the month, including the fourth annual, “Hands Around the Park For Recovery,” at 6 p.m., Sept. 26 in Lions Park. This event will include food, entertainment and motivational speakers. Participating agencies include Holy Rosary Medical Center, the Oregon Department of Human Services, Lifeways, Newvision and the Malheur Commission & Children and Families.
What Tha wrote on Oct 22, 2009 8:20 PM:
Idaho Public Utilities Commission, in opposition to the proposed rate increase of 44% to farmers and
businesses
Idaho PUC? "