VIRGINIA U.S. SENATOR JIM WEBB AND 9TH DISTRICT CONGRESSMAN RICK BOUCHER ARE TRYING TO GET DROUGHT RELIEF FOR SCOTT COUNTY FARMERS. THEY HAVE PETITIONED THE U.S. SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE FOR FEDERAL RELIEF FUNDS. THE DESIGNATION WOULD ALLOW SCOTT COUNTY FARMERS AND LIVESTOCK PRODUCERS TO QUALIFY FOR FEDERAL ASSISTANCE. BOUCHER SAID A PRESS RELEASE THAT THE LACK OF PRECIPITATION IN SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA HAS RESULTED IN SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE TO CROPS AND JUSTIFIES THE NEED FOR THE FUNDS. IF IT’S APPROVED, FARMERS WHO LOST AT LEAST 30 PERCENT OF THEIR INCOME WILL BE CONSIDERED FOR UP TO 300-THOUSAND DOLLARS IN LOW INTEREST LOANS FROM THE U.S. FARM SERVICE AGENCY.