Missouri Governor Extends Drought Alert

(Jefferson City) Governor Parson has extended Missouri’s drought alert to September 1st.

The action directs continued coordination of resources and combined response efforts across state government until conditions improve in drought-impacted areas.

Lack of precipitation and below normal streamflow over the past year have kept Missouri under a drought alert continuously since May 31st of 2023.

Prior to that, a drought alert was active from July 2022 through March 2023.

The drought alert has allowed for emergency water pumping and haying opportunities have been made available to farmers on public lands, including select state parks and conservation areas.

Variances have been approved by the Soil and Water Districts Commission from its regular grazing school requirements, pond cleanout practices and cover crop and livestock exclusion practices.

Money has also been allocated to each Soil and Water Conservation District to help with soil and water resiliency.

The DNR is monitoring drinking water reservoir systems to ensure drinking water capacity remains unaffected.

Also, MODOT continues to offer permits for over-width loads to allow hay to be transported.