April 20,2023 3:50 a.m.

Governor Tina Kotek has declared a drought in Wasco and Harney counties through Executive Orders and is directing state agencies to coordinate and prioritize assistance to both regions.

A release from the Governor’s office said the declarations unlock a number of drought-related emergency tools for water users, including assistance to local water users. Drought declarations also allow the Water Resources Department to expedite review processes and reduce fee schedules.

With 23 percent of the county in moderate drought and 49 percent in severe drought conditions, the U.S. Drought Monitor classifies Wasco County as being in abnormally dry to severe drought.

In Harney County, forecasted water supply conditions and precipitation levels are not expected to improve and nearly all of the county is experiencing drought conditions with a portion of it experiencing extreme drought conditions.

As state and local officials coordinate with federal partners, conditions in each region will be closely monitored by the state’s natural resource and public safety agencies. That includes the Oregon Water Resources Department, Oregon Department of Emergency Management, the Oregon Office of State Fire Marshal and the Oregon Department of Forestry’s Fire Protection Division.