Missouri suspends some drought restrictions

In this News Tribune file photo, Missouri Gov. Mike Parson is seen speaking to the press just outside his Capitol office. (Julie Smith/News Tribune photo)
In this News Tribune file photo, Missouri Gov. Mike Parson is seen speaking to the press just outside his Capitol office. (Julie Smith/News Tribune photo)


As flash flooding struck the St. Louis area Tuesday morning, state regulators lifted restrictions to combat drought conditions in southern and central Missouri.

With 75 percent of the state experiencing drought conditions, state officials announced efforts to counter effects July 21, warning that hot, dry conditions would likely persist after initial rainfall.

"This will not go away with the first rains that come in two to three weeks," Gov. Mike Parson told reporters after signing an executive order to temporarily suspend state regulations to help shield the agriculture industry from drought conditions. "This will affect these farmers in the fall, they will affect them in the winter, because of the conditions that we're doing now."

Those first rains dumped a record 10-11 inches on the St. Louis metropolitan area early Tuesday morning, causing flooding that closed major roadways and prompted water rescues from homes and vehicles.

The Missouri State Emergency Management Agency and Department of Public Safety are coordinating with local agencies to provide assistance, Parson said in a statement from Germany, where he is on a week-long trade mission. Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe, acting on behalf of the governor, issued an executive order declaring a state of emergency in the state and activating the Missouri Emergency Operations Plan.

Halfway across the state, Jefferson City received less than a half-inch of rain Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service, and parts of the southern half of the state, which is experiencing the worst drought conditions, didn't see substantive rain at all.

Drought conditions haven't been updated since July 21, when 53 counties were experiencing the prolonged hot, dry weather. Approximately 35 percent of the state is in severe to extreme drought, primarily south of the Missouri River.

Cole and surrounding counties in Mid-Missouri are experiencing a blend of abnormally dry to severe drought conditions, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor map from July 21.

The Missouri Soil and Water Districts Commission, an arm of the state Department of Natural Resources, clarified its regulation suspensions during an emergency meeting Monday.

For counties in severe, extreme and exceptional drought, the commission moved to immediately allow livestock grazing in previously restricted areas that can withstand it, reinstate a 2018 pond cleanout program, allow cover crops to be harvested for livestock feed and waive grazing school requirements for 12 months.

The pond program from 2018 applies only to ponds installed with the state's cost-share program. Farmers and ranchers are eligible for $1,500 per half acre -- for a maximum of $6,000 in total -- for completely removing sediment from ponds.

When allowing cover crops to be harvested, the commission temporarily waived a two production crop rotation requirement and a $20,000 lifetime maximum on financial assistance to farmers.

For more information on the commission's approved variances, farmers are encouraged to contact their local soil and water conservation districts.

See also:

Flooding prompts state of emergency