Rep. Bob Inglis says federal drought assistance needed

(August 13, 2008)

U.S. Rep. Bob Inglis, R-SC, said Wednesday that federal drought assistance for South Carolina was needed as a result of reports his office had been receiving.

“We look forward to assisting farmers in whatever way we can and in speeding this request,” Inglis said. “We’ve had reports that hay and vine crop yields are running 30 percent of normal. Late crops may be worse. Of course, everyone is going to be having a difficult time finding affordable hay for livestock this winter.”

Farm officials have told Inglis’s office that those farms in the district that had irrigation and sources of water have been able to do well in producing vegetable and fruit crops.

“Those that have had irrigation water apparently have been able to get by,” Inglis said.

Gov. Mark Sanford has sent a letter to the Ed Schafer, the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture requesting that 44 of the state's 46 counties be declared disaster areas.

330 Cannon Bldg., Washington, D.C. 20515, 220.225.6030 - 105 N Spring Street, Suite 111, Greenville, SC 29601, 864.232.1141 - 464 East Main Street, Suite 8, Spartanburg, SC 29302, 864.582.6422 - Union County 864.427.2205