Drought Relief, Recovery, and Support

U.S. Department of Agriculture

USDA provides financial and technical assistance to drought-affected areas and services through:

• The Natural Resources Conservation Service
• The Rural Development Program
• The Farm Service Agency

I. Crop Production Losses

• Disaster Assistance Programs

II. Natural Resource Protection/Private Lands

• Environmental Quality Incentives Program
• Emergency Watershed Protection

III. Community Water and Wastewater

U.S. Department of Interior

DOI resources are available through the:

• The Recovery Act
• The Drought Water Bank

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

NOAA provides short-term technical assistance and advises water managers on how to facilitate transfers of water. It also oversees the:

• Endangered Species Act
• NIDIS

Small Business Administration

The SBA can provide Economic Injury Disaster Loans.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

The USACE has the authority to transport water for human consumption and usage.

Department of Labor

The DOL offers National Emergency Grants to train workers so they can find new employment.
 

U.S. Department of Agriculture

I. Crop Insurance

• Risk Management Agency

II. Natural Resource Protection/Private Lands

• Agricultural Water Enhancement Program
• Emergency Watershed Protection - Floodplain Easement
• Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention
• Wetlands Reserve Program
• Conservation Technical Assistance

III. Community Water and Wastewater

U.S. Department of Interior

DOI's Bureau of Reclamation administers the WaterSMART and Energy Efficiency Grants that aim to make more efficient use of existing water supplies through water conservation, efficiency, and water marketing projects. Funding is also available to promote water use efficiency program projects like rebate programs, irrigation system upgrades, water conservation education programs, and to address and improve Best Management Practices.

Environmental Protection Agency

EPA works with states to manage programs that provide financial assistance for projects that protect public health and water quality. EPA also manages the WaterSense Program, which helps consumers identify water-efficient products, practices, and programs.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

NOAA oversees the:

• Endangered Species Act
• NIDIS

Small Business Administration

The SBA can provide Economic Injury Disaster Loans.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

The USACE has several water conservation and distribution projects underway.

Department of Labor

The DOL offers National Emergency Grants to train workers so they can find new employment.
 

Health and Human Services

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) offers assistance on disaster behavioral health and economic impacts of drought. This includes a disaster distress hotline.