Klamath declared drought disaster area

The Klamath Basin was declared a primary natural disaster area Monday by the U.S. Department of Agriculture because of severe drought conditions, guaranteeing farmers and ranchers access to low-interest emergency loans.

In addition, farmers in Jackson, Deschutes, Douglas, Lake and Lane counties will also qualify for disaster assistance, along with those in Modoc and Siskiyou counties in California.

The U.S. Department of the Interior announced an additional $2 million in drought aid for the Klamath Basin last week.

Oregon Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, both Democrats, issued a joint statement to support the declaration.

"Weather conditions can vary from year to year and some growing seasons are better than others, but when disaster strikes, we have to stand with our farmers and ranchers," Merkley said in the release.

"We must work to get water certainty for the basin that is predictable regardless of the water year," said Rep. Greg Walden. R-Ore., in a statement. "Meanwhile, we must continue to provide the emergency support that our farmers and ranchers need."