Governor's Declaration of Agricultural Disaster

Issued: September 11, 2009

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DECLARATION OF AGRICULTURAL DISASTER

Whereas, the catastrophic canal failure in Cache County resulted in the loss of lives and the victims families and we as a state are mourning;

Whereas, a major public safety issue and economic hardship for the citizens and farmers of the area need to be addressed;

Whereas, the economic hardship that has been placed on the farmers who are served by the canal is significant. The temporary irrigation supply actions taken with the help of some timely rains have helped mitigate the impacts on this growing season;

Whereas, it is a high priority to the local citizens to protect the local economy of food production and the desire of the state to maintain sustainable farming in the State of Utah;

Whereas, the agriculture community is facing tough economic challenges, and this disaster weighs heavily on the farmers impacted;

Whereas, the importance of replacing the current canal system is essential for both the public safety and making irrigation water available for future crop production is extremely important;

Whereas, the State of Utah desires to access federal funds that may be available for assistance in the restoration of this important infrastructure.

NOW THEREFORE, I, Gary R. Herbert, Governor of the State of Utah by virtue of the power vested in me by the constitution and the laws of the State of Utah, DO HEREBY declare an "Agricultural Disaster" for Cache County, due to the aforesaid canal failure in the State of Utah.

IN TESTIMONY, WHEREOF I have hereunto set my hand and caused affixed the Great Seal of the State of Utah, this 11th, day of September, 2009.

(State Seal)

Gary R. Herbert
Governor

ATTEST:

Greg Bell
Lt. Governor

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