In 1991, Congress established Reclamation's Drought Program to authorize emergency response and planning assistance that would minimize and mitigate losses and damages resulting from drought conditions.

Under Title I , Reclamation provides emergency drought assistance to states, including the following activities:

• Purchase of water for threatened and endangered species
• Pond construction for wildlife
• Dike construction for wetlands
• Well drilling

Under Title II, Reclamation provides assistance in the development, modification, or updating of cooperative drought contingency or water management plans. Reclamation also sponsors drought contingency planning workshops.