Kaine asks U.S. to declare Va. a drought disaster area

Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine on Monday said he has asked the federal government to declare the state a drought disaster area and open up potential financial relief for farmers, a move that follows similar requests by more than 70 Virginia counties and three other state governments.

Such a declaration from the U.S. Department of Agriculture would make farmers across the commonwealth eligible for low-interest loans and other aid from Congress if they have suffered substantial enough losses. Delaware, Maryland and Tennessee have already asked for the droughtdesignations.