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Washington, DC -- Congressman David Davis joined by the entire Tennessee Congressional Delegation has sent a letter asking the USDA to approve Governor Bredesen’s drought disaster request for farmers in all 95 counties in Tennessee.
“Our farmers need assistance due to the very dry summer we have had in Tennessee,” Congressman David Davis said. “This letter outlines those needs in hopes that the USDA will approve Gov. Bredesen’s request.”
“We are writing to urge you to approve the State of Tennessee’s request for an agricultural disaster declaration for all 95 counties across Tennessee as a result of the effects of a continuing drought,” the July 12 letter said. “According to the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), the five-month period of January through May 2007 was the driest such period in Tennessee in 118 years. Many of our livestock producers have sold entire herds due to a lack of hay and watering sources.
“Additionally, specialty crop producers, who already experienced significant losses in the April freeze, are now suffering from the drought. Though the extent of the damage has not yet been determined, most farmers will need a full season to recover.”
Congressman Davis was joined by Senators Lamar Alexander and Bob Corker, Congressman Jimmy Duncan, Congressman Zach Wamp, Congressman Marsha Blackburn, Congressman Bart Gordon, Congressman John Tanner, Congressman Cooper, Congressman Lincoln Davis, and Congressman Steve Cohen.
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