Parson Extends Drought Order

(Jefferson City, MO) Missouri Governor Mike Parson is extending the state's drought alert by signing an executive order lasting until May 1st of next year. Currently, the U.S. Drought Monitor indicates that all, or portions of at least 85 Missouri counties, are experiencing moderate, severe, or extreme drought conditions. In response to Governor Parson's initial Executive Order declaring a drought alert on May 31, 2023, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources activated the Drought Assessment Committee, a work group set up to assess drought levels and work with impact teams on response and recovery recommendations. The Executive Order was set to expire December 1st. Extending the order will allow the Drought Assessment Committee and associated impact teams to continue supporting affected communities throughout the winter and continue to expand the state's capabilities to respond to and lessen the impacts of future droughts. A variety of helpful resources are online at the Department of Natural Resources website.