This morning, Gov. Inslee declared a drought emergency for three Washington regions, including the Olympic Peninsula. The Washington State Department of Ecology has been working with municipalities to review the 62 watersheds in Washington state, several of which are in the 35th District. Thirty-four of the state’s watersheds are projected to have less than 75 percent normal supply.

“While our district has not been as impacted as others, snowpack is 7 percent of normal in the Olympic Mountains,” said Rep. Dan Griffey, R-Allyn. “We have been advised watersheds on the Olympic Peninsula will be hit hard, so I want to thank the governor for declaring a drought emergency this morning. This declaration will help many people in the 35th District affected by drought conditions, which could have a long-lasting impact on our region.”

According to Inslee’s press release, the Washington State Department of Ecology has requested $9 million in drought relief from the Legislature. The money would pay for agricultural and fisheries projects, emergency water right permits, changes to existing water rights, and grant water right transfers.

“I appreciate the governor being proactive by issuing this emergency declaration,” Rep. Drew MacEwen, R-Union said. “Though many counties in Washington state will bear a larger share of the drought burden, Mason County’s agricultural community relies on a sufficient snowpack for producing viable crops. Droughts can have a devastating impact on our communities, and I stand ready to work with the governor, as well as local, state and federal agencies in order to assist those most affected by this emergency.”

Reps. MacEwen and Griffey encourage anyone who wants further information to give their offices a call. You can reach Rep. MacEwen at (360) 786-7902. Rep. Griffey can be reached at (360) 786-7966.