Drought spreads across SW Oregon as Coos County declaration approved by Gov. Kate Brown

Associated Press

COQUILLE, Ore. (AP) — A drought declaration passed by Coos County Commissioners has been approved by Oregon Gov. Kate Brown.

The governor’s declaration, which expires Dec. 31, will authorize state agencies to expedite water management tools for local officials to quickly start mitigation activities, The World reported.

According to the order, extremely low stream flow and hot, dry conditions in Coos County led to the governor’s declaration.

With forecasted water supply conditions not expected to improve, the drought is likely to have significant economic impacts on the county’s farm, forest, recreation, drinking water and natural resource sectors, according to the order.

Extremely low stream flow and hot, dry conditions are leading to increasing levels of drought in southwest and central Oregon.

At a commissioner’s board meeting in April, Coos County Commissioner Melissa Cribbins informed the board that the local water master and regional water director both expressed concerns with the county’s domestic water wells going dry and not recovering.

Previous coverage:Low snow pack, rain in Klamath County prompts drought declaration by Gov. Brown

The declaration in Coos County follows similar declarations in Curry, Jackson and Klamath counties in southwestern Oregon.