17 March 2006

Governor’s Drought Response Team meets

Governor Kathleen Sebelius asked her Drought Response Team to convene and develop a plan for the safety and security of Kansans.

“The dry and often windy conditions around the state increase the risk of fire,” Sebelius said. “In addition to fires, the drought creates deteriorating crop conditions, low reservoir levels, and a lack of moisture. It’s critical we work together to deal with these concerns.”

Tracy Streeter, director of the Kansas Water Office, chairs the Governor’s Drought Response Team and reported the group’s recommendations to Governor Sebelius after they met today.

The Drought Response Team recommended the Governor raise the drought alert status from “Watch” to “Warning” in all counties but those in east central and northeastern Kansas. Sebelius is expected to issue an executive order early next week expanding the drought warning status. In February, Governor Sebelius declared a drought warning for six counties, Cherokee, Labette, Montgomery, Neosho, Bourbon, and Crawford and declared drought watches for 66 counties.

The Governor’s Drought Response Team agreed to focus on three key areas: wildfires, public water supply, and agriculture. These subgroups are working together to assess drought conditions and put action plans in place as needed.

“The biggest danger at this time is wildfires. We’ve already had several fires that have claimed tens of thousands of acres,” Streeter said. “A spark of carelessly tossed cigarette can easily ignite a fire, which, when fanned by high winds, can become a major blaze.”

The group also discussed ways their organizations can work together to deal with emergencies relating to fires and water shortages.

In 2003, Governor Sebelius created the Governor’s Drought Response Team by Executive Order 03-17. In the executive order signed August 21, 2003, the team was formed “to ensure the State of Kansas responds in timely and appropriate manner to the impacts of drought upon its people, resources, and the environment.”

The Governor’s Drought Response Team is made up of representatives from:

1. Kansas Water Office (Chair)
2. Governor's Office
3. Adjutant General's Department - Division of Emergency Management
4. Kansas Department of Agriculture
5. Kansas Department of Administration
6. Kansas Department of Health and Environment
7. Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks
8. Kansas State Fire Marshal
9. Kansas State Army Corps of Engineers
10. United States Department of Agriculture - Farm Service Agency

An updated report of drought conditions can be found on the Kansas Water Office web site at www.kwo.org.