"There are serious drought impacts all across Montana, and the East Bench area, struggling from persistently low water levels of Clark Canyon Reservoir, is of significant concern," Rehberg, a member of the House Energy and Water Development Appropriations Subcommittee, said.  "It was frustrating to find the producers were unable to obtain any irrigation water last year, so I'm obviously pleased with the agency's response to the concerns we raised."

The East Bench is irrigated by water from the Clark Canyon Reservoir.  Due to low water levels, producers received dramatically less water in 2003 than normal, seriously limiting the production of the area's approximately 30,000 acres.  The East Bench received no irrigation water in 2004.

"The timing of this program is good," said Madison County Commissioner Dave Schulz (Phone: 406-843-4277).  "Many of the family farms on the Bench have been in operation for generations, and have never experienced drought like this before.  We appreciate Denny's efforts on our behalf, and especially in the speedy nature of addressing our needs." 

Rehberg, who is also a Billings rancher, has held public meetings in the area and has pursued immediate drought-relief efforts through communication with the NRCS, which is part of the United States Department of Agriculture.  In late March and early April, Rehberg sent agricultural specialists from his staff to meet again with local officials and producers, and to photograph the drought conditions.  The Madison County Commissioners also sent Rehberg a letter April 13 seeking assistance.

The drought mitigation funds are available through a special sign-up from April 21 through April 29.  According to the NRCS, a public meeting to discuss the program has been scheduled for Thursday evening in Twin Bridges.  Contact the Dillon NRCS field office for more information at (406) 583-3800, or the Sheridan NRCS field office at (406) 842-5741.

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