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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Klamath commissioners declare drought emergency

An irrigation canal stands dry March 10, 2010, on the Klamath Reclamation Project near Klamath Falls, Ore. (Jeff Barnard / AP)

KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. – Klamath County officials have declared a drought emergency.

The Herald and News reports that county commissioners worry the upcoming irrigation season may be the driest in several years and could cause millions of dollars in economic losses.

The declaration starts the process necessary to receive state and federal help.

Drought emergency declarations allow the state to prioritize use of water for human consumption and livestock, and they enable residents hurt by drought to get federal aid.