Governor expected to sign drought declaration  

Q: What is the goal of state agencies? 

A: "To bring to bear every service the state has," Kulongoski said.

Q: Is the state of Oregon working with federal agencies?

A: Kulongoski said he met with officials from the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration before Tuesday's public meeting.

Those agency officials are determining water levels necessary for endangered fish and allocations to irrigators. His main goal, the governor emphasized, is to work cooperatively with federal agencies to avoid the release of conflicting information.

"I am committed to work with the federal agencies and be partners. And that has not been done in the past."

Q: What steps are being taken to issue an emergency drought declaration, and how will that benefit irrigators?

A: Kulongoski said he has directed the Oregon Water Resources Department to prepare emergency drought permits and authorize emergency drought transfers of water. "I intend to sign that document as soon as I get it," he said.

When issued, he said, the declaration would allow irrigators to use supplemental groundwater, transfer water between parcels of land and be eligible for low-interest loans. He predicted the drought declaration would be issued next week.

Q: What's the impact of the KBRA?

A: Although the agreement has been signed by the states of Oregon and California, the U.S. Department of Interior, and stakeholders, it has not been approved or funded by Congress.

"I have treated this as if it were done," he said, referring to the agreement, which does not yet have a completed drought plan. "I absolutely believe if this plan had been in place ... we would be in a much better position now."

Q: Realistically, what can irrigators expect?

A: "We will not be able to provide all the water the farmers and ranchers need," Kulonogski said.

He also said state and federal agencies would not be able to provide enough assistance to make irrigators and others "whole." Along with the water shortages, he said, other factors include rising electrical costs and an economic recession that has created state and federal budget problems.

Q: Agriculture is a risky business. What benefits can irrigators realistically expect?

A: Kulongoski said he believes farmers and ranchers realize their risks, but said his goal is to provide help on "those human things we can control." He believes their main desire is to learn what amount of water will be available, noting, "They're looking for certainty."

Q: Are you concerned that removing the four Klamath River dams, including the John C. Boyle in Oregon, will create a shortage of clean power?

A: "I think the replacement power is there and that's probably one of easier issues to resolve," he said.