Office of the Governor

State of Oregon

Executive Order No. 14-04

DETERMINATION OF A STATE OF DROUGHT EMERGENCY IN JACKSON COUNTY DUE TO DROUGHT AND LOW WATER CONDITIONS

At the request of Jackson County by and through its County Commission in a letter dated March 19, 2014, on the recommendation of the Drought Council and Water Advisory Committee, and pursuant to ORS 401.165 and ORS 536.740, I find the continuing dry conditions, low snowpack, and lack of precipitation have caused natural and economic disaster conditions in Jackson County.

Projected forecasts are not expected to alleviate the severe drought conditions and the drought is having significant economic impact on Jackson County’s agricultural, livestock, and natural resources.

The dry conditions present hardships for these communities: crops and agricultural and recreation investments are at risk; and the risk of wildfires across the state is greatly increased.  Current conditions are being monitored and analyzed by state agencies including the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Water Resources, and Oregon Office of Emergency Management.

A timely response to the severe drought conditions is vital to the safety of persons and property and economic security of the citizens and businesses of Jackson County; I am therefore declaring a state of drought emergency in Jackson County and directing the following activities;

IT IS HEREBY ORDERED AND DIRECTED:

I. The Oregon Department of Agriculture is directed to coordinate and provide assistance in seeking federal resources available to mitigate conditions and affect agricultural recovery in Jackson County.

II. The Department of Water Resources is directed to coordinate and provide assistance and regulation for Jackson County as it determines is necessary in accordance with ORS 536.700 to 536.780.

III. The Office of Emergency Management is directed to coordinate and assist as needed with assessment and mitigation activities to address current and projected conditions in Jackson County.

IV. All other departments are directed to coordinate with the above agencies and to provide appropriate state resources as determined essential to assist affected political subdivisions in Jackson County.

V. This Executive Order expires on December 31, 2014.

Done at Salem, Oregon this 6 day of May, 2014.

John A. Kitzhaber, M.D.

GOVERNOR

ATTEST:

Kate Brown

SECRETARY OF STATE