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Members of Tennessee Delegation Request Drought Declaration for 11 Additional Counties
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October 10th, 2008 - WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) and Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) and U.S. Representatives David Davis (R-Tenn. 1), Zach Wamp (R-Tenn. 3), Jim Cooper (D-Tenn. 5), Bart Gordon (D-Tenn. 6), and John Tanner (D-Tenn. 8) have joined in requesting that U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Edward Schafer issue an agricultural disaster declaration for an additional 11 counties across Tennessee to help farmers who have suffered crop and livestock losses as a result of persistent drought conditions. This letter follows the request made by Governor Phil Bredesen and adds additional counties to an existing request originating September 22nd.
According to the letter, “In these counties across Tennessee, below normal rainfall, low water levels and a rainfall deficit carried over from last year have caused farmers to lose as much as 35 – 70 percent of this year’s crop. Corn, soybeans, tobacco, hay, nursery, fruits and vegetables are among the major crops affected.” A designation from USDA would allow qualifying farmers to receive federal farm disaster assistance that could help them manage losses and plan for next year.
“Drought conditions persist in our state and our farmers are feeling the pinch,” Alexander said. “Following Governor Bredesen’s request, I’m glad to join these other members of the Tennessee delegation in requesting the secretary of agriculture to declare these additional 11 counties disaster areas so that farmers can be compensated for their losses.”
“Helping struggling farmers is important for our state's economy, particularly at a time when our nation is facing a financial crisis that affects every American," Corker said. "I thank Governor Bredesen for his leadership in requesting this federal assistance and I'm proud to join with members of the Tennessee Congressional delegation in asking Secretary Schafer to act quickly on behalf of Tennessee farmers.”
“I am pleased to join with my Tennessee colleagues in making this request,” Davis noted. “The far-reaching consequences of this extended drought have hurt farmers across the state, and I am hopeful that the Department of Agriculture will approve this request and move to get this assistance to more Tennessee farmers as soon as possible”
“Farmers in Tennessee have a hard enough time with high fuel costs and inflation setting in, we must get them relief as soon as possible,” said Wamp. “The Tennessee delegation is urging the USDA to consider designating these counties to provide relief to help Tennessee farmers caught in this serious situation.”
"Tennessee farmers have been hit hard by drought once again this year," said Cooper. "When Mother Nature disrupts people's livelihoods, it's important to help them get back on their feet and prepare for next year. I hope the Department of Agriculture will grant this disaster assistance to our farmers as soon as possible."
“This persistent drought is hurting countless farmers and their families in Wilson County, Smith County, and throughout the rest Tennessee,” Gordon said. “Federal assistance is crucial – it will not only help the affected farmers, but also local economies, which are already struggling with the current economic slowdown.”
"Our farmers are having a very tough time, and they need help," Tanner said. "I hope they can get the assistance necessary so they can continue the work that is important to our communities."
The 11 counties include Benton, Carroll, Claiborne, Hamilton, Hancock, Hawkins, Lauderdale, Rhea, Smith, Union and Wilson.
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| October 2008 Press Releases: |
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October 23, 2008 -
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Alexander: Mounting Childhood Obesity Is A National Crisis
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October 21, 2008 -
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Alexander: Brainpower Advantage is Key to Keeping Tennessee's Good Paying Jobs
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October 17, 2008 -
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Alexander Says Increased Support for Homeless Assistance Programs Will Help Programs Like the Chattanooga Community Kitchen Continue Feeding those in Need
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October 15, 2008 -
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Alexander: Tennessee Can Lead Development of Clean Energy Technology
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October 14, 2008 -
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Alexander: Vonore Biorefinery Keeps Tennessee on Cutting Edge in Push for Clean Energy Independence
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October 10, 2008 -
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Alexander, Corker, L. Davis Announce $25,000 for Motlow State Community College
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October 10, 2008 -
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Alexander, Corker, L.Davis Announce $31,912 for White County Museum
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October 10, 2008 -
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Alexander, Corker, L.Davis Announce $500,000 for Grundy County Water System
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October 10, 2008 -
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current Press Release
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October 10, 2008 -
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Lawrence, Lewis Counties Added to Appalachian Regional Commission
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October 9, 2008 -
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Alexander: HOPE for Homeowners Program Could Help Many of the 67,000 Tennesseans Facing Foreclosure
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October 9, 2008 -
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Alexander, Corker, Gordon Announce $272,900 for Clay County Water System
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October 9, 2008 -
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Alexander, Corker, Wamp Announce $75,000 for the Clearfork Community Institute
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October 9, 2008 -
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Alexander, Corker, Wamp Announce $256,500 for Rhea Medical Center
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October 8, 2008 -
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Alexander: Tennesseans Will Receive More Coverage for Mental Health
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October 3, 2008 -
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Alexander Statement on Final Passage of Bipartisan Economic Rescue Plan
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October 3, 2008 -
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Alexander Celebrates 10th Anniversary of Outstanding Military Service in Millington
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October 3, 2008 -
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Alexander Celebrates 10th Anniversary of Outstanding Military Service in Millington
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October 1, 2008 -
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Alexander Votes to Protect Taxpayers from Looming Credit Crunch
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October 1, 2008 -
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Alexander Says U.S.–India Nuclear Agreement Will Be a Pillar of American Foreign Policy
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