LAKEPORT, Calif. – The Board of Supervisors voted unanimously on Tuesday morning to extend a local emergency declaration due to the drought conditions.
It was the fifth time the emergency has been extended since it was first passed March 4. By law, the board is required to revisit the declaration every 30 days.
During the discussion, Lake County Emergency Services Manager Marisa Chilafoe gave the board a report on the Aug. 7 meeting of the county's newly formed Drought Task Force.
Chilafoe, who chairs the task force, told the board that more than 30 local water agencies and purveyors had members in attendance at the meeting.
Agriculture Commissioner Steve Hajik gave the group a report on the situation for agriculture, she said.
“We ask the board to continue the proclamation of emergency,” said Chilafoe, adding, “Conditions have not changed.”
“They've gotten worse,” said Board Chair Denise Rushing.
Chilafoe's written report to the board noted that, despite the county receiving some rainfall this spring, “annual rainfall levels remain well below average and the severity of drought conditions will continue to worsen in the summer and fall months.”
She said Tuesday that the declaration is needed by the county as it pursues grant funding to address the drought.
Following a brief discussion, Supervisor Jim Comstock moved to approve continuing the local emergency, with the board voting 5-0.
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