500 E. Capitol Ave.

Pierre, SD 57501

(605) 773-3212

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, August 1, 2006

CONTACT: Mark Johnston or Roxy Everson, (605) 773-3212

 

 

PIERRE, SD – Gov. Mike Rounds, chairman of the Western Governors’ Association (WGA) joined with North Dakota Gov. John Hoeven to coordinate a letter signed by 17 members of the WGA, pressing Congress to pass comprehensive drought legislation this year.  Hoeven drafted the letter, which highlights the challenge of farmers and ranchers throughout the western United States who have been confronted with high temperatures and nearly no rain throughout the summer.

 

“Current forecasts in some areas are predicting more dry weather, with little promise of relief,” the governors’ letter said. “These weather conditions in combination with increased production costs, are taking a terrible toll on our farmers and ranchers, and their livestock and crops. In order to continue to provide America with quality, affordable food under these conditions, disaster assistance legislation is imperative.”

 

The letter, delivered to congressional leaders today, was signed by a bipartisan group of governors, including Govs. Mike Rounds (S.D.), WGA Chair; Dave Freudenthal (Wyo.), WGA Vice Chair; Janet Napolitano (Ariz.); Arnold Schwarzenegger (Calif.); Bill Owens (Colo.); Linda Lingle (Hawaii); Jim Risch (Idaho); Kathleen Sebelius (Kan.); Brian Schweitzer (Mont.); Dave Heineman (Neb.); Bill Richardson (N.M.); Kenny Guinn (Nev.); John Hoeven (N.D.); Brad Henry (Okla.); Ted Kulongoski (Ore.); Jon Huntsman, Jr.(Utah); and Chris Gregoire (Wash.).

 

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