The Washington County Board of Supervisors approved a letter of support for the Iowa Drought Information System to be developed by the University of Iowa Hydroscience and Engineering Department.  

The letter states that the board is a long time member of the English River Watershed Management Authority, and they are writing to express strong support for the proposal submitted by IIHR-Hydroscience and Engineering for Community Project Funding to develop the Iowa Drought Information System. 

This initiative is critical for strengthening data-informed decision-making in Iowa’s agricultural community, which continues to face drought conditions. The Iowa Drought Information System will serve as a vital resource, providing the agricultural community and local governments with accurate, timely information to protect livelihoods and strengthen resilience in the face of drought.  

The Iowa Drought Information System promises to consolidate data from multiple state and federal sources into a single, user-friendly platform, enabling farmers, county officials, and emergency planners to anticipate drought impacts and respond proactively.  

Currently, the Hydroscience and Engineering Department at the University of Iowa has online resources available for flood information, nitrogen pollution, geological survey information, and the Iowa Watershed Approach Information System. 

This letter of support which was unanimously approved will be sent to Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks.