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<br />, <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />GoalS. A safety net of emergency response programs <br /> <br />The objective is to ensure that emergency drought response programs-when necessary despite <br />drought planning and impact-reduction measures-are effective and timely. <br /> <br />Recommendations <br /> <br />u Federal drought-response programs should be coordinated and integrated. The key elements <br />in achieving this goal include: ]) timeliness of response, which is directly related to clear authority <br />for action, sufficient and readily accessible funding, and access to decision-makers; 2) <br />accountability, which depends on a single contact point and clearly defined and understood criteria <br />that trigger the emergency declaration; 3) a network of entities for delivering response services; and <br />4) a cadre of trained people who deliver response assistance. <br />u The criteria for emergency response should relate an indicator of drought severity to a <br />specific set of actions just as with routine drought response. Emergency criteria, however, should <br />generally be linked to more severe and infrequent droughts, and emergency responses should <br />include federal or state assistance that would not have to be repaid. In addition, emergency <br />response should be prompt and certain once clear, predefined, and well-publicized criteria have <br />been met. <br />u A safety net of emergency drought response programs should always be available to <br />provide emergency assistance to meet customer-driven needs. However, the Commission <br />recommends that as our nation transitions to a proactive drought policy emphasizing pre-drought <br />and drought-response planning, risk management and self-reliance, emergency response programs <br />should accordingly phase in incentive-based approaches as appropriate. <br /> <br />VI <br />