WRD has set up guidelines to process these permit applications in seven business days. To date, WRD has received 61 applications and approved 50 for emergency ground water permits in the Klamath Basin. The loans from the Oregon Business Development Fund can be used for any drought related problem, including developing wells, purchasing feed, providing working capital, or any other business, ranching or farming need. The loans are available to cover up to 40 percent of project costs. Loan repayments can be deferred for up to one year.
Interest rates vary from approximately three to seven percent.
They may be combined with loans from banks, private lenders or local development groups. Klamath has also been declared a USDA disaster area. In addition, a request from Gilliam County is being processed by the governor.