Newhouse- Feds List Yakima Among Drought Aid Eligible Counties

As hot as its been and as hot as its going to get, Washington’s drought started early last winter. Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) released the following statement after the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Secretary, Thomas Vilsack, announced the designation of select Central Washington counties as primary natural disaster areas due to the ongoing drought.

“I am encouraged by Secretary Vilsack’s declaration recognizing the historic drought facing agricultural producers in Central Washington,” said Rep. Newhouse. “USDA’s declaration is critical for ensuring that our agricultural producers are considered for the assistance they need, including access to low-interest emergency loans and Farm Service Agency assistance. I look forward to working with farmers and ranchers in Central Washington as well as USDA and other federal agencies on solutions on how best to support growers and producers through this drought crisis.”

Primary natural disaster counties include Yakima, Adams, Benton, Franklin, Grant and Walla Walla.