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Feds Stepping In To Help Rural California Communities Suffering In Drought

TULARE COUNTY (KPIX 5) -- The federal government is stepping in to help California communities, particularly in rural areas, in danger of drying out during the drought.

According to a statement by the United States Department of Agriculture, the department is announcing additional federal aid for rural California communities struggling with some of the driest conditions ever recorded.

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The department said California is enduring its third driest year on record.

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack will visit the Central Valley town of Farmersville on Friday to make the official announcement of aid.

The USDA said the money is expected to help rural communities that could experience a significant decline in the quantity or quality of drinking water because of the drought.

The department has declared 57 of the state's 58 counties as primary natural disaster areas due to drought.

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