Oklahoma Conservation Commission providing drought assistance  

In response to worsening drought conditions, the Oklahoma Conservation Commission’s Oklahoma Emergency Drought Committee voted to approve an emergency drought assistance program on Feb. 24. 

The funding will be used for water resource projects, such as water wells, pasture tap, watering facility, pumps, pond cleanout, and water well practices. Applications will be available for Oklahomans from March 9 to June 30 at conservation district offices and through www.conservation.ok.gov. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-serve basis.  

OCC Executive Director Trey Lam said of the $64.5 million in drought funding that was appropriated over the last several years, there is $16.1 million available for drought assistance. Lam said once the current reserves are depleted, additional funding will be left to lawmakers. Most of the Sooner State is classified as D1, or moderate drought by the U.S. Drought Monitor. To learn more about the program, visit www.conservation.ok.gov/emergency-drought-assistance-program/.  

Lacey Vilhauer can be reached at 620-227-1871 or [email protected]