Parson extends drought alert until March 1
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)
Gov. Mike Parson on Monday issued an executive order to extend Missouri’s drought alert until March 1, 2023, to address issues outlined by the state’s Drought Assessment Committee.
Currently, 87% of Missouri face abnormally dry conditions, with many counties -- including Boone, Cooper, Howard, Moniteau, Pettis and Saline -- still experiencing moderate, severe, or extreme drought, according to the release. Drought conditions are not expected to substantially improve this winter.
“It will take a lot of precipitation to help Missouri recover from the current water deficit,” Parson said in a press release. “Water for livestock is just as important in the winter as it is the summer, and we want to ensure resources are available to our farmers and ranchers that may need them. Additionally, with navigational challenges forming on Missouri's rivers affecting barge traffic, extending our Executive Order is necessary to support continued mitigation efforts.”
On July 21, Parson issued an executive order declaring a drought alert for 53 counties that were hit hardest by drought conditions. While conditions have improved marginally since that time, drought has continued to create challenges. That order was set to expire Dec. 1.
Residents can submit information about local drought conditions online. More information about drought conditions is available on the Department of Natural Resources website. ]
