VETO MESSAGE ON HB 1917-S

                   April 19, 1995

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 as to section 4, Substitute House Bill No. 1917 entitled:

"AN ACT Relating to emergency response services;"

     Substitute House Bill No. 1917 requires the Department of Natural Resources to contract privately for the provision of certain fire suppression equipment when such utilization is efficient and effective.  This is an appropriate policy direction and, I am advised by the Commissioner of Public Lands, is in keeping with current departmental practice.

     Section 4 adds a representative of private contractors of fire suppression equipment, supplies, and service to the Forest Fire Advisory Board.  This board has the primary responsibility to review expenditures from, and recommend increases to, the Landowner Contingency Fund.  This fund is established through a fee on landowners.  Representation by this interest group is inconsistent with the duties of the Forest Fire Advisory Board and is an inappropriate forum for advice from equipment contractors.  Moreover, adding this representative would unnecessarily increase board costs.

     For these reasons, I have vetoed section 4 of Substitute House Bill No. 1917.

     With the exception of section 4, Substitute House Bill No. 1917 is approved.

                   Respectfully submitted,

                   Mike Lowry

                   Governor