EXECUTIVE ORDER
05-17

WHEREAS, I have been advised by the Director of the Department of Natural Resources that parts of the State of Missouri have suffered a prolonged period of low precipitation since February, 2005; and

WHEREAS, the prolonged shortage of precipitation, low stream levels, low soil moisture conditions, and a low Palmer Drought Index have persisted for several months indicating a moderate drought level; and

WHEREAS, early response to pending drought can greatly reduce negative impacts upon Missouri citizens; and

WHEREAS, State and Federal agencies have many interdependent roles in identifying and mitigating drought impacts; and

WHEREAS, the State Water Resources Plan established pursuant to section 640.415, RSMo, has authorized the development of the Missouri Drought Response Plan; and

WHEREAS, the Missouri Drought Response Plan calls for intergovernmental communication, cooperation and coordination of efforts in drought mitigation activities.

NOW THEREFORE, I, Matt Blunt, Governor of Missouri, by virtue and authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the State of Missouri, do hereby declare a DROUGHT ALERT for the counties of Bollinger, Butler, Cape Girardeau, Carter, Dunklin, Howell, Iron, Madison, Mississippi, New Madrid, Oregon, Pemiscot, Perry, Pike, Ralls, Reynolds, Ripley, Ste. Francois, Ste. Genevieve, Scott, Shannon, Stoddard and Wayne.

I order and direct the Director of the Department of Natural Resources to activate and designate a chairperson for the Drought Assessment Committee and request that all Missouri and Federal agencies participate as needed.

All State Agencies are hereby directed to examine how we may assist currently and future affected communities through temporary suspension of administrative rules, appropriation or other means of support to mitigate the effects of the drought conditions.

This Executive Order shall be effective immediately and shall remain in effect until termination by my further order.

ATTEST:

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