Escambia, Santa Rosa Declared Federal Disaster Areas Due To Drought

August 2, 2011

Escambia and Santa Rosa counties have been declared federal disaster areas due to combined effects of the recent excessive drought and heat.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture made the designation, which will provide farmers and ranchers in affected areas access to low-interest, emergency loans and other federal assistance through the Farm Service Agency.

“Florida producers can count on USDA to provide emergency assistance during these difficult times,” U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said in a statement. “President Obama and I are committed to reducing the impact of this disaster for Florida producers and we will commit all available resources to help in recovery.”

Escambia and Santa Rosa County are among 27 Florida counties announced Monday by federal officials on Monday that would be eligible for financial assistance following months of drought.

Farmers and ranchers in Escambia County, Alabama, are also eligible to apply for national disaster assistance because their county borders the disaster area.

Pictured top: A field of corn is irrigated in May at Highway 4 and Dortch Road in Bratt. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.

Comments

One Response to “Escambia, Santa Rosa Declared Federal Disaster Areas Due To Drought”

  1. 429SCJ on August 3rd, 2011 4:32 pm

    36 percent of Alabama on food stamps now this!, How much longer?

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News