Governor Jim Justice announced he has extended the statewide State of Emergency for an additional 30 days due to a shortage of rainfall that has caused drought conditions.

The U.S. Drought Monitor indicates extreme, severe and moderate drought conditions have continued to impact the entire state.

Justice also reminds agencies to utilize the Emergency Drought Relief Reimbursement Grant Program, which provides financial assistance to those helping secure and distribute irrigation and livestock water supplies in counties experiencing severe or extreme drought conditions.

“This drought continues to plague our farmers, so we’re extending our State of Emergency to help get water to those who are in desperate need,” Justice said. “Our farmers are truly the backbone of our state, and we understand the level of stress they’re experiencing because of these extreme conditions. We will not watch our hardworking farmers suffer because of uncontrollable factors. What we can control, however, is making sure they have the resources to get through this tough time. Our public agencies are working hard to deliver water as needed. Our Emergency Management Division and the Department of Agriculture are working hard to secure disaster assistance. We are all pulling the rope together to get through this time. I promise, we will get through it together.”

This State of Emergency will remain in effect for an additional 30 days.