YORK AND OXFORD COUNTIES RECEIVE DISASTER DESIGNATION TO ADDRESS DROUGHT LOSSES

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Susan Collins today announced that York and Oxford Counties have been designated a Federal Disaster Area by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for losses suffered due to the drought that has been ongoing since June 1, 2001. The designation will allow farmers to apply for low-interest loans to help recover from drought related losses

"This designation will help farmers, both large and small, suffering from drought conditions, and related losses," said Senator Collins. "I am pleased that the administration has agreed to stand with our farmers, many of whom have seen their savings dry up with their crops."

The designation makes all qualified farm operators in the two designated counties eligible for low-interest loans from the Farm Service Agency (FSA). Farmers in eligible counties have eight months from the date of the declaration to apply for the loans to help cover part of their actual losses.