West Virginia extends drought State of Emergency

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WOWK) — West Virginia Governor Jim Justice announced that the State of Emergency for the ongoing drought has been extended.

The governor’s office said the extension impacts all 55 counties and will go on for another 30 days. Officials with Justice’s office say the U.S. Drought Monitor indicates “extreme, severe and moderate” drought conditions have continued to impact all of West Virginia.

“This drought continues to plague our farmers, so we’re extending our State of Emergency to help get water to those who are in desperate need,” Justice said. “Our farmers are truly the backbone of our state, and we understand the level of stress they’re experiencing because of these extreme conditions. We will not watch our hardworking farmers suffer because of uncontrollable factors. What we can control, however, is making sure they have the resources to get through this tough time. Our public agencies are working hard to deliver water, as needed. Our Emergency Management Division and the Department of Agriculture are working hard to secure disaster assistance. We are all pulling the rope together to get through this time. I promise, we will get through it together.”

Justice first declared a State of Emergency on July 26. Many areas of the state have still seen little to no rain since, and folks across West Virginia have felt the impacts from agriculture to backyard plants and lawns .

The drought may also impact this year’s fall foliage across the Mountain State .

Because of the drought’s impact on local farms, a grant program was launched earlier this month to provide financial assistance to agencies helping bring water to farms in severe or extreme drought conditions.

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