OLYMPIA — Washington officials have decided to let the statewide drought declaration expire at the end of this year.
KPQ-AM reports that the team that advises Gov. Jay Inslee on the issue recommended that the state Department of Ecology not extend the drought declaration at this time. Another drought declaration could be considered next year if water supply conditions change.
Ecology says that heavy rain and snow have eliminated the drought in Western Washington, and drought conditions are improving in Eastern Washington. The latest U.S. Drought Monitor report last week shows about one-third of the state in drought, mostly in southeast Washington.
This year, the state spent $5.6 million in drought relief projects.
