The statewide drought emergency declared by Gov. Jay Inslee on May 15 will expire Thursday, Dec. 31.

The governor’s Executive Water Emergency Committee recommended Department of Ecology not extend the declaration into the new year because of heavy rain and snow across the state and associated conditions no longer meet requirements for a drought emergency.

State agencies like the DOE spent $5.6 million of the $16 million the state Legislature approved for drought relief funding for use in 2015 and 2016.

Of the $5.6 million used, a portion helped provide drought relief to Sequim and its surrounding area, including a $74,430 grant to the Jamestown S’Klallam tribe, $21,783 grant to the City of Sequim and a $258,19 grant to Clallam County PUD.

The Olympic Peninsula was among three regions, along with Yakima and Walla Walla, first deemed by state officials as drought stricken on March 13.

Forecasts for January-March are for warmer, drier conditions as a result of El Niño, according to DOE. The State’s Water Supply Advisory Committee intends to continue to monitor water supply.