Federal Agencies Pledge Another $110 Million in Drought Aid

Federal agencies have pledged another $110 million in drought aid after President Barack Obama talked to the leaders of seven western states.

That includes $18 million for a temporary jobs program to help Californians who are unemployed because of the drought; $30 million to ensure farmers don't lose crop insurance because of exceptionally low production; and $10 million to reduce the threat of wildfires.

The Obama administration says representatives from agriculture, labor, environmental protection, interior and emergency management took part in Friday's call.

The president met by phone and video link with the governors of Arizona, California, Colorado, Montana, Oregon, and Wyoming and with the lieutenant governor of Utah.