HB 1656-S - DIGEST
(DIGEST AS PASSED LEGISLATURE)

Requires the department of transportation to: (1) Convene a community aviation revitalization board;

(2) Provide management services, including fiscal and contract services, and staff support, to assist the board in implementing this act;

(3) Make direct loans, if certain conditions are met, to airport sponsors of public use airports in the state for the purpose of airport improvements that primarily support general aviation activities; and

(4) Take reasonable measures as are necessary to familiarize government officials and members of the public with this act, particularly the board's authority to make loans.

 
VETO MESSAGE ON SHB 1656

March 27, 2018

To the Honorable Speaker and Members,
The House of Representatives of the State of Washington

Ladies and Gentlemen:

I am returning herewith, without my approval, Substitute House Bill No. 1656 entitled:

"AN ACT Relating to a community aviation revitalization loan program."

Substitute House Bill 1656 creates a program that is substantially similar to that in the enacted capital budget, which appropriates $5 million to that program. Substitute House Bill 1656 creates a Community Aviation Revitalization Board and an associated revolving loan program for small airports to help address their capital and preservation needs. The Board includes four legislators as voting members. I support the original appropriation of $5 million in the enacted capital budget for these loans to revitalize small airports across Washington.

Although I appreciate the Legislature's work on this program I am vetoing this bill. The Legislature, in its vital role of passing law and appropriating funds, should not place its members in the position to also implement the law, which is in within [which is within] the powers of the executive branch. I would like to work with the Legislature on a permanent committee structure that resolves this conflict. For this reason, I have vetoed Substitute House Bill 1656, but I will support the original appropriation of $5 million to the substantially similar program in the enacted capital budget.

For these reasons I have vetoed Substitute House Bill No. 1656 in its entirety.

Respectfully submitted,
Jay Inslee
Governor