BISMARCK, N.D. -- Idaho Governor Jim Risch is joining his counterparts in Western states to urge Congress to pass drought aid legislation.

North Dakota Governor John Hoeven drafted a letter signed by Risch and 16 other members of the Western Governors' Association.

The letter says current forecasts in some areas are predicting more dry weather, with little promise of relief.

The letter says such weather conditions in combination with increased production costs are taking a terrible toll on farmers and ranchers.

The letter was delivered to congressional leaders today.

Other governors who signed the letter haled from Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii,Kansas, Montana, New Mexico, Nevada, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wyoming and Nebraska.