A new federal interagency partnership was established to make it easier for communities to navigate federal, state and local resources for developing resiliency during droughts. The National Drought Resilience Partnership will be led by the Agriculture Department and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and will include the Interior Department, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Environmental Protection Agency and Energy Department.
Each of the seven agencies will identify a single point of contact that can direct communities, businesses, farmers or ranchers seeking long-term drought planning and technical assistance toward the resources they need. For example, a water utility can reach out to the partnership for help in finding information on drought conditions, water quality or water infrastructure concerns.
In its first year, the partnership will focus on consolidating drought information by creating an online clearinghouse for accessing federal resources on drought recovery and a national soil moisture monitoring network to help inform decision making.
The partnership will also hold regional drought outlook forums, which provide information from experts on drought conditions and impacts, national climate trends, and water supply and wildfire conditions.
More information on the National Drought Resilience Partnership is available at www.drought.gov/drought .