Governor Tina Kotek has… through an executive order… declared a drought emergency in Crook and Jefferson counties, the first drought declaration of the year so far. The order directs state agencies to coordinate and prioritize assistance to the region. The move unlocks a number of drought-related emergency tools, including assistance to local water users. Drought declarations also allow the Water Resources Department to expedite review processes and reduce fee schedules. As state and local officials coordinate with federal partners, conditions will be closely monitored by the state’s natural resource and public safety agencies, including the Oregon Water Resources Department and the Oregon Office of Emergency Management.