Press Release- Jan 16, 2007
OFFICE OF GOV. BILL RITTER, JR.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
TUESDAY, JAN. 16, 2007
Contact:
Evan Dreyer, 720-350-8370
Christi Lightcap, Colorado Department of Agriculture, 303.239.4190
Polly White, Colorado Office of Emergency Management, 720.852.6630
GOV. RITTER SEEKS FEDERAL AID FOR LIVESTOCK LOSSES
Gov. Bill Ritter today asked the federal government for financial assistance to offset livestock and agricultural losses and to help prevent additional cattle deaths caused by powerful winter storms in southeast Colorado.
The request is separate from the federal disaster declarations of earlier this month that will help cover costs of snow removal and emergency rescue operations.
Ritter's letter to U.S. Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns asks the U.S. Department of Agriculture to declare the following counties disaster areas due to the blizzard: Baca, Bent, Cheyenne, Crowley, Huerfano, Kiowa, Las Animas, Lincoln, Otero and Prowers counties.
The region received 3 to 4 feet of snow in the most recent storm, with drifts of 10 to 18 feet deep in some areas. An estimated 10,000 cattle died in the storm, and the numbers will climb higher as the snow melts and carcasses are discovered. The area is home to 345,000 head of cattle and calves, 23,500 head of producing sows and 112,000 head of sheep and lambs, all with an estimated value of $500 million.
The requested funds would support:
- Feeding efforts, including aerial and ground support operations, livestock feed and the delivery of feed to dispersal sites.
- Generators to provide power for pumping water for livestock.
- Physical delivery of water to cattle and other livestock.
- Livestock carcass locating, removal and disposal.
- Economic recovery assistance in the affected counties.
Ritter is scheduled to visit the Eastern Plains and southeast Colorado on Friday and Saturday.