National Drought Monitoring System Proposed

Members of the Western Governors Association announced that their Denver-based organization will work with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to create a national drought monitoring system.

Meeting in Washington, Montana Gov. Judy Martz cited the ongoing drought in the Rocky Mountain West and noted that the federal government can easily respond to hurricanes, floods and tornadoes because they are readily apparent.

"The onset of droughts are much more difficult to gauge," said Martz, chair of the regional association.

Her statement followed a meeting of the governors with Conrad Lautenbacher, undersecretary of Commerce for oceans and atmosphere, whose agency will work with the governors to establish a monitoring system.

"As a nation, our historical approach to drought has been reactive, rather than proactive," said New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson, the group's vice chairman. "Having better planning, coordination and integrated monitoring and forecasting is essential to avoiding and mitigating future conflicts over water supply."

Source: The Salt Lake Tribune