WASHINGTON, Feb. 26, 2014 – President Obama is expected to sign into law legislation (H.R. 2431) that would reauthorize the National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS) for five years.
The bill would support an interactive “early warning system” of timely and accurate drought information, as well an integrated weather monitoring and forecasting system, supporters said. Since the NIDIS Act was signed into law in 2006, government agencies have worked to develop a long-term plan for drought prevention, research, and education.
The Senate approved the bill by unanimous consent Tuesday night, following House passage on Feb. 10.
Sen. Mark Pryor, D-Ark., said NIDIS provides vital drought information to farmers, ranchers, and other industries affected by weather conditions. “Our bipartisan bill gives our farmers, ranchers, and local communities the tools and information they need manage resources, protect crops and livestock, and prevent economic losses,” Pryor said. “The passage of this bill is yet another win for Arkansas’s agricultural industry.”
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