NIDIS program
In general
System functions
The National Integrated Drought Information System shall—
provide an effective drought early warning system that—
is a comprehensive system that collects and integrates information on the key indicators of drought in order to make usable, reliable, and timely drought forecasts and assessments of drought, including assessments of the severity of drought conditions and impacts;
communicates drought forecasts, drought conditions, and drought impacts on an ongoing basis to—
decisionmakers at the Federal, regional, State, tribal, and local levels of government;
the private sector; and
the public,
in order to engender better informed and more timely decisions thereby leading to reduced impacts and costs; and
includes timely (where possible real-time) data, information, and products that reflect local, regional, and State differences in drought conditions;
coordinate, and integrate as practicable, Federal research in support of a drought early warning system; and
build upon existing forecasting and assessment programs and partnerships.
Consultation
Cooperation from other Federal agencies
Notes
References in Text
Authorization of Appropriations
$11,000,000 for fiscal year 2007;
$12,000,000 for fiscal year 2008;
$13,000,000 for fiscal year 2009;
$14,000,000 for fiscal year 2010;
$15,000,000 for fiscal year 2011; and
$16,000,000 for fiscal year 2012.”
Definitions
Drought.—
The term ‘drought’ means a deficiency in precipitation—
that leads to a deficiency in surface or subsurface water supplies (including rivers, streams, wetlands, ground water, soil moisture, reservoir supplies, lake levels, and snow pack); and
that causes or may cause—
substantial economic or social impacts; or
substantial physical damage or injury to individuals, property, or the environment.
Under secretary.—
The term ‘Under Secretary’ means the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere.”