SB 5064-S2.E - DIGEST

(DIGEST AS ENACTED)

     Provides that technical assets of state agencies must be coordinated and utilized to maximize the financial resources of regional enhancement groups and to maximize overall fish recovery efforts.

     Calls for a program to identify and expedite the removal of impediments to anadromous fish passage.

     Revises the membership of the regional fisheries enhancement group advisory board.

     Calls for field testing of coho and chinook salmon remote site incubators.

     Directs the proceeds from the sale of salmon eggs and carcasses to be placed in the regional fisheries enhancement group account.

VETO MESSAGE ON SB 5064-S2

                   May 16, 1995

To the Honorable President and Members,

  The Senate of the State of Washington

Ladies and Gentlemen:

     I am returning herewith, without my approval as to sections 4, 8, and 9, Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill No. 5064 entitled:

"AN ACT Relating to regional fisheries enhancement program;"

     Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill No. 5064 makes changes to funding and assistance provided to regional fisheries enhancement groups.  It will provide additional needed revenue to these groups by transferring funds from the sale of eggs and carcasses from state operated hatcheries to the regional enhancement group account.

     Section 4 exempts regional fisheries enhancement groups and fish and wildlife cooperative fish habitat and fish passage projects from the state Shorelines Management Act.  This language is substantially equivalent to that contained in Substitute Senate Bill No. 5155.  Because Substitute Senate Bill No. 5155 provided this same exemption to all public groups, including regional fisheries enhancement groups, this section is unnecessary.

     Section 8 of Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill No. 5064 requires the revenue from the sales of eggs and carcasses authorized under section 9 to be deposited into the regional fisheries enhancement group account.  Section 9 directs the Department of Fish and Wildlife to establish a program that will allow each of the twelve regional fisheries enhancement groups to sell eggs and carcasses from fish returning to their group project.  The revenue from these sales is deposited into the regional fisheries enhancement group account for reallocation to the group or groups sponsoring the project.

     The Department of Fish and Wildlife is authorized under present law to sell eggs and carcasses from group projects.  The revenue from these sales goes to the regional fisheries enhancement group account for reallocation to the group or groups sponsoring the project.  Allowing each of the groups to individually undertake sales would make accountability more difficult and potentially jeopardize the department's present ability to dispose of carcasses from state owned facilities.

     I am directing the Department of Fish and Wildlife to work with the regional fisheries enhancement groups to assure an appropriate level of income from the sales of eggs and carcasses and to assure distribution of those funds to these groups.

     For these reasons, I have vetoed sections 4, 8, and 9 of Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill No. 5064.

     With the exception of sections 4, 8, and 9, Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill No. 5064 is approved.

                   Respectfully submitted,

                   Mike Lowry

                   Governor