Gov. Jared Polis on Thursday issued a statewide drought emergency declaration, potentially freeing up additional state funding for the state’s response to record-low snowpack and prolonged warm temperatures across Colorado. Colorado’s snowpack peaked in early March about a month earlier than usual and at the lowest level since 1987. Farmers, ranchers, fishing and rafting outfitters, and cities and reservoir managers are already feeling the impacts of tight water supplies this year on their wallets and water supply budgets. Polis’ declaration follows recommendations Monday from the Colorado Drought Task Force and the Water Conditions Monitoring Committee.

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• The Denver Post (Colo.): Colorado Gov. Jared Polis declares statewide drought emergency
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• Colorado Politics (Denver): Polis declares statewide drought emergency