Governor extends state of emergency

Speaking yesterday from the Springfield district office of Southwest Electric Cooperative, Gov. Jay Nixon extended Missouri's drought state of emergency declaration for 45 days through Nov. 15.

With the extension, the deadline for livestock producers and farmers to complete water projects approved through a state emergency cost-share program has been pushed back. Executive orders for the state of the emergency and the cost-share program - which authorized the State Soil and Water Districts Commission to approve applications for the drilling or deepening of water wells or expansion of irrigation systems - were signed by Nixon July 23, according to a news release.

“Despite the rain we’ve seen during the past two weeks, Missouri’s agricultural community still has a pressing need for water, especially for livestock,” Nixon said in the release. “These projects are making a real difference for Missouri agriculture, and we want the projects that have been approved to be completed as soon as possible.  

"By extending the state of emergency for 45 additional days and allowing these projects to continue to move forward, we will ensure that Missouri producers and farmers get the access to water they need so critically.”

More than 5,800 of the roughly 11,000 applications for assistance through the cost-share program were approved. To be eligible for an extended deadline on a project, the landowner must show evidence of engaging the services of contractors and/or suppliers to complete the project by the earliest date possible. To ensure accountability, Nixon has created a program audit and compliance team working under the state budget director, the release said.

The cost-share program covers 90 percent of the cost of approved water projects, with the producer or farmer paying the remaining 10 percent. The average project cost is roughly $4,800.

According to CityUtilities.net, the current lake levels that supply water for Springfield residents and businesses are at 64 percent. Increased water rates would go into effect if levels fall below 60 percent, according to Springfield Business Journal archives.