Governor Jim Justice has extended the State of Emergency for all 55 West Virginia counties due to ongoing drought conditions. The extension will last for another 30 days.

According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, the state continues to face extreme, severe and moderate drought conditions affecting the entire region. In response to the worsening situation, Justice emphasized the importance of supporting local farmers who are severely impacted.

“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.”

Justice highlighted the availability of the Emergency Drought Relief Reimbursement Grant Program, providing financial assistance to secure and distribute water supplies for irrigation and livestock in hardest-hit areas. He acknowledged the collective effort of public agencies to deliver necessary resources.

“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,” Justice stated.

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