For more information:
Lee Benson, Public Information Officer
lee.benson@ag.ok.gov | 405.522.5479
September 20, 2023
Emergency Drought Commission Releases Remaining Funds, Extends Completion Deadline
OKLAHOMA CITY — The Emergency Drought Commission met Tuesday and voted to release all remaining funding allocated to the current Emergency Drought Cost-Share Program. The state Legislature appropriated $17 million to the Emergency Drought Relief Fund in May.
“I am pleased that the Legislature’s appropriations will provide further relief to producers and communities who are still facing the devastating effects of the drought,” said Sen. Darcy Jech, who attended Tuesday’s meeting.
“I appreciate my colleagues and the Emergency Drought Commission for working to provide this needed relief to our citizens,” said Jech, R-Kingfisher.
The Emergency Drought Commission also voted to extend the deadline for completing practices previously applied for through the Emergency Drought Cost-Share Program until June 30, 2024.
In a separate motion, the Emergency Drought Commission voted to provide further oversight to the program by tightening up the verification process. The Commission recommends local conservation districts:
- Update the self-certification form to include location of the practice completed
- Ask for photos of the practice (if available)
- Notify applicants of the extended deadline of the program
- To investigate any challenges of wrongdoing or misappropriation of funding or practices (including spot checks)
All actions of the Commission are pending approval by Governor Kevin Stitt.
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