[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 98 (Thursday, July 18, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Page S7030]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  DROUGHT EMERGENCY IN NORTH CAROLINA

  Mr. EDWARDS. Mr. President, I rise today to draw attention to a dire 
situation in my state. North Carolina is in the midst of a severe 
drought, and there is no significant rainfall in sight.
  North Carolinians are used to hot, dry summers. But the dry spell has 
lingered and transformed itself into one of the worst droughts in the 
state's history. The entire State is under drought condition and most 
areas are experiencing ``extreme drought.'' A significant portion of 
the Piedmont is experiencing an ``exceptional drought,'' according to 
the U.S. Geological Survey. In fact, the Piedmont is short almost a 
full year's worth of rain and the city of Greensboro has a little more 
than 100 days supply of water.
  The damage estimates are already staggering. This drought has put 
many of our farmers on the edge of financial ruin. At a time of the 
year when you can drive down any rural North Carolina road and see 
lush, green crops ready for harvest, farmers are struggling to find 
enough water to save what hasn't already withered in the blazing sun. 
Farmers in more than half of North Carolina's 100 counties have already 
experienced more than 35 percent crop loss and it is still early in our 
growing season.
  But it is not just North Carolina's farmers that are suffering. Small 
businesses are particularly impacted by the mandatory water 
restrictions. Believe it or not, drought is not a recognized disaster 
under the Small Business Administration's Disaster Assistance Program.
  Of course, we can't make it rain. We can't cool the weather and slow 
the evaporation of our lakes and streams. But there are things we can 
do to help those impacted by this disaster. There are steps we should 
take immediately. I have asked Secretary Ann Veneman to certify our 
counties as disaster so our farmers can get the crop loss assistance it 
is clear they will so desperately need. I urge the administration to 
quickly act to help my farmers. President Bush is scheduled to travel 
to Greensboro, one of the most parched areas of North Carolina next 
week. I hope by then his administration will have recognized the dire 
conditions and approved my State's request for help.
  In the meantime, I am proud to cosponsor the Small Business Drought 
Relief Act, S. 2734. This is a straightforward measure that will bring 
important relief to thousands of small business owners by expanding the 
Small Business Administration's definition of disaster to include 
droughts.
  Another measure that I am supporting is the National Drought 
Preparedness Act of 2002, S. 2528. This measure creates a Federal 
drought preparedness and response policy, one that is so obviously 
needed. We in North Carolina know all too well the expertise and 
assistance the Federal Emergency Management Agency provides following a 
hurricane or tornado. We need that same clear, concise policy for 
droughts.
  But these measures can't help with the impact this drought is having 
on my State right this moment. North Carolinians are doing their part. 
Under the leadership of Governor Easley, cities and towns are advancing 
reasonable water-use restrictions. Residents are conserving, and we are 
all hoping and praying for a good rain.
  We need the administration to act quickly on the state's disaster 
requests. We need to get these residents the help they need.

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