North Dakota expands drought assistance for livestock

North Dakota is making more money available to livestock producers hit by drought conditions after an initial pool of funds quickly dried up. 

The State Water Commission on Wednesday approved an additional $2 million for the Drought Disaster Livestock Water Supply Project Assistance Program.  

The state made $2 million available last week. The Department of Water Resources received more than 220 applications in the first week, and funding would have run out Wednesday if the commission had not acted, according to a news release from the Governor’s Office and the State Water Commission. 

Gov. Kelly Armstrong also issued an amended executive order making the program available to livestock producers in all North Dakota counties, rather than only counties and tribal nations that meet a certain threshold.

Armstrong issued his initial executive order last week.

July heat produces ‘flash drought’ with more than half of North Dakota affected

“The intense demand for this water supply program demonstrates just how serious the drought situation is in North Dakota for our livestock producers,” Armstrong said in a news release.

All but 3.2% of the state is affected by drought or abnormally dry conditions, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor’s Aug. 20 update. It showed 38.6% of North Dakota in moderate drought, 26.4% in severe drought, 5.9% in extreme drought and nearly 26% rated abnormally dry. The drought monitor is updated weekly on Thursdays.

The livestock relief program is funded by oil extraction tax revenue, authorized by the State Water Commission and administered by the Department of Water Resources. Each producer is eligible for cost-share on up to three projects and may be reimbursed up to 65%, but no more than $10,000, of the eligible cost of each project. Eligible projects include new wells, rural water system connections, pipeline extensions and pasture taps.  

Program details, eligibility requirements and application information are available at dwr.nd.gov. Producers seeking more information can call 701-328-4959 or email [email protected]. 

Additional information on drought resources and current burn ban restrictions and fire danger levels is available at www.ndresponse.gov.