Half of state seeking drought disaster help

Rain in the mountains during the last three weeks has helped some, but in this region as well as much of the state, drought conditions have had a major impact on crops.

So much so that Gov. Mike Easley is seeking to have 54 of the state's 100 counties declared agricultural disaster areas by the federal government.

Jennifer Gilbert, county executive director for the Farm Service Agency, said those counties include Alleghany as well as Ashe, Wilkes and Surry.

"I filed a flash report to Raleigh July 3, indicating we were under drought conditions," she stated. The rain shortage has affected hay, pasture, corn, tobacco and Christmas trees.

A federal declaration of disaster makes an area eligible for emergency funds. However, Gilbert said, monetary assistance may not be readily available. "What the request will do, I have no idea as far as disaster money, because we're in a war."

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