Gov. Guinn Requests Federal Disaster Relief Funding

September 19, 2006

CARSON CITY – Gov. Kenny Guinn today sent a letter to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Mike Johanns requesting him to declare a disaster designation for Elko, Humboldt, and Lincoln counties based on extensive damage from wildfires.  The disaster declaration would open the door for farmers and ranchers in the counties to apply for federal assistance through one of three programs: Emergency Conservation, Emergency Loan Assistance, and Emergency Protection.

 More than 1.5 million acres of land in Nevada has been devoured by wildland fires in the past four months, about 300,000 of which is privately owned.  Gov. Guinn sent the letter requesting federal assistance after reviewing damage assessment reports forwarded to him by Nevada’s State Emergency Board.  The wildfire damage assessment was lead by USDA’s Farm Service Agency. County Emergency Boards in Elko, Humboldt, and Lincoln counties contributed to the assessment effort.

 “I am confident that after reviewing the information forwarded to Secretary Johanns, he will agree with our request, and that aid to Nevada farmers and ranchers will be forthcoming,” Gov. Guinn said.

 “There have been so many wildfires this year in Nevada that the assessment process has been complex,” said Nevada Department of Agriculture Don Henderson. “Fires burned over other fires, making some of the areas difficult to access.”

 Nevada farmers and ranchers seeking more information about USDA programs that may be available to them should contact their local USDA Farm Service Agency.