President Obama has come and gone, leaving behind nearly $200 million in federal drought aid. Valley farmers and ranchers are ready to get their hands on the help and will soon get some help doing so. However, many believe the solution goes far beyond financial assistance.
The criticism still stands that the President's relief does little to address getting more water to the valley, but for people struggling now, any kind of relief is welcomed.
During his historic valley visit, President Obama brought with him millions of dollars in federal drought aid, but it wasn't the kind of help some had hoped for.
Rep. Devin Nunes, (R-Visalia) says, "We're not looking for welfare, we're looking for water."
In total, $183 million is up for grabs, including $60 million for food banks across California.
Fresno Community Food Bank director Andy Souza says, "We anticipate that when the full effects of the drought hit, we could reach 20,000 to 25,000 people in Fresno County."
That's compared to about 5,000 people per month during a normal season. The drought not only means more mouths to feed, but less local produce to hand out.
"We're up to almost ten million pounds a year of donated product directly from our service area, so when it comes time for melons there are probably not going to be a lot involved," says Souza.
There's also $20 million in aid set aside for water conservation efforts. Thursday, USDA officials will be in Fresno to break down eligibility and to help farmers apply for the funding.
Fresno Co. Farm Bureau Director Ryan Jacobsen says, "Anything they can do to have the assistance to learn what the programs are whether or not they're qualified and most importantly what they need to make it happen, is going to be extremely helpful."
Lawmakers say a comprehensive, bi partisan bill will also be helpful.
"I'm more concerned about what is it that the senate is going to bill so that we merge with the house bill that has already been passed and have President Obama sign it and solve this problem," says Rep. Nunes.
For farmers interested in applying for aid, a meeting will be held this Thursday night at the Fresno County Farm Bureau from 6 to 8 o'clock.