George H.W. Bush: “of 1991 March 5, 1992 Today I am signing into law H.R. 355, the ``Reclamation States Emergency Drought Relief Act of…”

“of 1991 March 5, 1992 Today I am signing into law H.R. 355, the ``Reclamation States Emergency Drought Relief Act of 1991.'' This bill provides, for a period of 10 years, general authority for the Secretary of the Interior to take action in the Western States to protect and preserve fish and wildlife habitat and assist farmers and urban dwellers in overcoming drought conditions. In addition, the bill provides permanent authority for the Secretary to prepare drought contingency plans in consultation with States, Indian tribes, and other entities for the prevention or mitigation of the adverse effects of drought conditions. As I sign this bill, some areas in our Western States, notably in California, are facing their 6th consecutive year of drought conditions. The authorities granted by this bill will allow the Federal Government greater flexibility in utilizing the facilities of the Federal reclamation program and the resources of the Department of the Interior to assist the States and other non-Federal entities fighting the ravages of drought. This bill allows us to be the good neighbors that we should be in time of common need. It is in the American tradition that neighbor helps neighbor in times of burden. We will not stand by and see either our local economies and jobs literally ``dried up'' by drought or our valuable refuges and wetlands parched by lack of water. We are fortunate that, in the last few weeks, the water supply situation in California has improved.…”