White House announces drought aid as Obama heads to Fresno
As President Obama prepares to head to Fresno to witness damaged caused by the California drought, the White House is announcing more than $200 million in aid available to those affected by the dry conditions.
The package includes up to $150 million in help for state livestock producers, $60 million for food banks and $5 million for water conservation projects.
The president also has directed facilities in the state to reduce water use and has issued a moratorium on “non-essential landscaping projects,” according to a White House statement. Gov. Jerry Brown has issued a similar directive for state government sites.
Obama is expected to arrive in Fresno on Friday afternoon, where he will tour a farm and hold a private discussion with farmers and local leaders. He will be joined by Brown, Sens. Dianne Feinstein and Barbara Boxer and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack.
From Fresno, the president will head to Rancho Mirage, where he is to meet with Jordan’s King Abdullah.
ALSO:
Lady Gaga: California’s new drought spokeswoman
Jerry Brown says he can help solve state water crisis
Drought brings flood of business for irrigation equipment firms
Twitter: @anthonyyorklat
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