While there is no rain forecasted in the near future, farmers will find some relief from the current drought in another form.

The Oklahoma Legislature on Thursday passed a bill that appropriated millions of dollars to aid the agriculture industry across the state during the ongoing drought.

House Bill 1006XX designates $20 million to the Emergency Drought Relief Fund from any monies not otherwise appropriated from the General Revenue Fund of the State Treasury.

It was passed during the legislature’s special session.

During the regular session in the spring, lawmakers also approved House Bill 2959 to designate $3 million for the fund.

“The drought in Oklahoma is severe and farmers and ranchers are at the breaking point,” said District 59 Rep. Mike Dobrinski, R-Okeene.

TheEmergencyDrought Relief Fund was created in 2013 to provide funding for emergency drought relief activities once a drought emergency has been declared. Funds must be expended solely on efforts to relieve drought conditions.

“The drought fund was set up years ago for events such as this,” said Dobrinski, noting the $3 million that was previously designated for it.

“That money won’t go very far toward the damage of this year’s weather. Adding the additional $20 million this week will have significant benefits to our struggling producers.

“Funds can be spent on things such as drilling wells to replenish depleted farm ponds or providing for supplemental feed for distressed cattle as well as other drought-relief efforts.”

Earlier in September, Gov. Kevin Stitt issued an emergency drought declaration to reactivate the Emergency Drought Commission, which will determine how legislative appropriations are used.

The commission is made up of the executive director of the Oklahoma Conservation Commission, the executive director of the Oklahoma Water Resources Board and the secretary of agriculture, who will serve as the chair of the commission.

District 26 Sen. Darcy Jech, R-Kingfisher, joined Dobrinski in voting to pass the bill.

“It’s good, but it’s still just a drop in the bucket,” Jech said.

“It will go pretty fast when you consider all the needs.”

Jech said the legislature was proactive in designating the initial $3 million.

“I’m glad the governor did declare the emergency to trigger that money into action,” he said.

Jech said the monies will be made available through the various county conservation districts.

The situation, Jech said, doesn’t look to improve.

“Nothing I’ve heard this morning is encouraging,” Jech said on Friday. “The money is a good thing, but not as far as Mother Nature is concerned.

“Short-term. Medium- term. Long-term. It’s calling for warmer temperatures and less-than-normal rain amounts. None of it is good.”

HB1006XX was presented on the House floor Thursday morning by Rep. Dell Kerbs, R-Shawnee.

“The vast majority of farms in our state are family- owned, many of which have been operating for generations,” said Kerbs, who chairs the House Agriculture and Rural Development Committee.

“We need to take care of our farmers and ranchers because they’re the ones who take care of us, and this bill gave us an opportunity for the legislative body to help those in need now while also mitigating future situations.”

Data from the U.S. Drought Monitor shows over half the state is facing extreme drought, while nearly 14% of the state falls under exceptional drought, the highest level.

“Farmers and ranchers in our state are struggling with the ongoing drought,” said Sen. Roland Pederson, R-Burlington, who serves as vice chair of the Senate Agriculture and Wildlife Committee.

“Because of no fault of their own, some are being faced with the possibility of giving up on their livelihoods. We must do what we can to help them get through this difficult time. This money will go a long way to this worthy goal.”

HB1006XX passed both chambers overwhelmingly and will move to the governor’s desk for consideration.

“Hopefully the governor will sign it ASAP and we can have a fair amount of money to put into the program,” Jech said.