Miller Addresses Drought in the 69th District, Offers Resources

COLUMBUS-State Rep. Kevin Miller (R-Newark) announced that a report released by the National Drought Mitigation Center revealed that additional portions of Ohio and the entire 69th House District, Fairfield, Licking, and Perry counties are experiencing a severe drought.

The U.S. Drought Monitor shows parts of the U.S. currently experiencing these conditions. The map uses five classifications: abnormally dry (D0), showing areas that may be going into or coming out of drought, and four levels of drought: moderate (D1), severe (D2), extreme (D3), and exceptional (D4). All of the 69th House District is a D3 or above, qualifying the areas for assistance from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA).

"The lack of rain has continued to have a growing effect on all parts of Ohio," said Miller. "Now is the time to support our dedicated farmers who are experiencing hardships and urge them to document issues and report them to their local FSA."

When a county is at a level D3 or above, residents qualify for federal assistance programs. A list of resources, including USDA disaster assistance programs, can be found at https://agri.ohio.gov/divisions/administration/resources/2024-Ohio-Drought.

"I encourage everyone within the local agricultural community to take the time to review the resources available and share the information with others," Miller continued.

Representative Miller will continue to provide updates and resources as conditions develop.