As its first official action, the drought task force should state the general purpose for the drought plan. A generic statement of purpose for a plan is to reduce the impacts of drought by identifying principal activities, groups, or regions most at risk and developing mitigation actions and programs that alter these vulnerabilities. The plan is directed at providing government with an effective and systematic means of assessing drought conditions, developing mitigation actions and programs to reduce risk in advance of drought, and developing response options that minimize economic stress, environmental losses, and social hardships during drought. The task force should then identify the specific objectives that support the purpose of the plan. Drought plan objectives will, of course, vary between states and should reflect the unique physical, environmental, socioeconomic, and political characteristics of each state.
Technical assistance is a common element of state agency missions.
Support for educational and research programs is typically a shared responsibility of state and federal government. Establish criteria for declaring drought emergencies and triggering various mitigation and response activities. Provide an organizational structure and delivery system that assures information flow between and within levels of government. Define the duties and responsibilities of all agencies with respect to drought. Maintain a current inventory of state and federal programs used in assessing and responding to drought emergencies.