Statewide drought emergency declared in Washington State

The Washington State governor has declared statewide drought emergency.

Gov. Jay Inslee says snowpack in his state is at historic lows, river levels are dwindling and irrigation districts are cutting off water to farmers.

Snowpack in the mountains has dropped to just 16 per cent of normal levels statewide.

He says impacts are already severe in several areas of the state and decisions are being made about what crops get priority water and how best to save fish.

Local authorities say the drought is unlike any they have ever experienced.

The Washington Department of Agriculture is projecting a $1.2 billion crop loss this year as a result of the drought, and the Department of Natural Resources expects more early-season and higher-elevation wildfires.

“We have some tough, challenging months ahead of us,” says Inslee. “We’re ready to bring support and relief to the hardest hit areas of the state. We’re going to do everything we can to get through this.”