OHIO — The Ohio House of Representatives has passed House Bill 683, a measure aimed at addressing the severe drought conditions that recently impacted the state.

The bill, sponsored by State Rep. Don Jones (R-Freeport), allocates $10 million to the Department of Agriculture for drought mitigation efforts, which will be administered through local Soil and Water districts.

“We are only in the beginning stages of drought recovery efforts, and it’s important to rally together and support our farmers,” said Jones. “By passing this bill now, we can provide immediate relief to farmers, supporting them as they prepare to head into the winter months.”

In addition to the $10 million for mitigation, the legislation includes a $500,000 appropriation from the Controlling Board Emergency Purposes Fund.

This funding will go to the Ohio State College of Food, Agriculture and Environmental Science’s Farm Financial Management and Policy Institute to hire a director.

The institute will work to support farmers as they address challenges stemming from the drought.

House Bill 683 now moves to the Ohio Senate for consideration.