(Columbia) -- Governor David M. Beasley today met with federal
and state officials who serve as an informal "drought team," pledging to
help those affected by the drought and minimize its impact.
As an initial drought-related action, Governor Beasley said state
employees who are volunteer firefighters would be given leave with pay
if they are needed to fight drought-related fires.
"I want to make sure we help those who are going to make a sacrifice
to help us," the Governor said today. "I want to make certain that we're
well-prepared with every available person we have."
The Governor said the drought gives him three major concerns:
the impact of the drought on farmers, the potential for forest fires because
of the dry weather, and long-term impact on drinking water supply.
Governor Beasley said it is "highly likely" he will ask the federal
government to for disaster declarations for several South Carolina crops.
Laurie Lawson, state executive director with U.S. Department of Agriculture's
Farm Services Agency, told the Governor that information needed in order
to ask for a disaster would be available early next week.
"We will act immediately," Governor Beasley said. "We want to
help every farmer in South Carolina (hurt by the drought)."
Farmers told Governor Beasley today that corn, soybeans and cotton
have sustained serious damage and in some areas have been destroyed. Other
fruits and vegetables, along with tobacco, have also been damaged because
of the dry weather.
The Governor also told State Forester Hugh Ryan that he had "grave
concerns" about forest fires, especially with the now-contained fire at
Table Rock State Park. Ryan told the Governor that recent rains have helped
lower the danger, though State Climatologist Michael R. Helfert said the
drought may get worse in the fall and winter.
Governor Beasley told Ryan he wants the state Emergency Preparedness
Division and the National Guard to work closely with Forestry officials
to get ready for any potential problem.
Drinking water supply is not a major worry, though Governor Beasley
asked Department of Natural Resources officials to keep close tabs on water
supplies.
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