[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 31 (Tuesday, March 15, 2005)]
[House]
[Pages H1426-H1427]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                             DROUGHT RELIEF

  (Mr. LARSEN of Washington asked and was given permission to address 
the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. LARSEN of Washington. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to bring 
attention to what can potentially be the worst drought season the State 
of Washington has experienced in nearly 3 decades.
  In my district and throughout the State precipitation levels are 
hovering at or near record lows. Mountain snow pack levels are at 26 
percent of normal averages. Many rivers and streams are flowing at 
levels well below normal for this time of the year. Unfortunately, it 
looks as though the worst is yet to come as the National Weather 
Service has predicted that dry, warm weather will continue through the 
spring.
  If these conditions persist as predicted, the drought will have a 
devastating impact on our State's agriculture, fishing, and recreation 
industries and will increase the potential of destructive forest fires 
this spring and summer.
  I would like to commend Washington State's Governor Christine 
Gregoire for her leadership and foresight in declaring a statewide 
drought emergency and forming a Drought Emergency Command Center. This 
emergency declaration will allow the State Department of Ecology to 
provide assistance and relief, including the issuance of emergency 
water permits and the temporary transfer of water rights.
  The Emergency Command Center will be able to work with State and 
local agencies to ensure that resources are reaching the areas that 
need assistance the most. Governor Gregoire has set an example of 
proactive leadership. I look forward to working with her and

[[Page H1427]]

my fellow members of the Washington State delegation to help the people 
of our State through this difficult time.

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