“This announcement puts the focus on the plight of Montana’s producers and communities, which continue to experience financial difficulties brought about by the affects of long-term drought conditions,” said Rehberg, “Today’s designation by the USDA will make producers eligible for low-interest loans and other disaster assistance plans, and helps make the case back in Washington that Congress needs to begin planning for the fire season ahead.”

          Montana counties included in today’s drought disaster declaration by the U.S. Department of Agriculture are ChoUteau, Garfield, Granite, Mineral, Missoula, Petroleum, Pondera, Prairie, Ravalli, Treasure, and Valley, as well as the Blackfeet, Salish Kootenai and Fort Peck Reservations. 

          ”While we wish there wasn’t a need for additional counties to be added, the reality is it probably won’t stop here,” Rehberg said.

          A member of both the House Agriculture and Resources Committees, Rehberg has introduced legislation to create a national drought advisory committee.  Rehberg is also former Chairman of the Montana State Drought Advisory Committee.