VETO MESSAGE ON HB 1472

                   April 26, 1997

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, Engrossed House Bill No. 1472 entitled:

"AN ACT Relating to mineral resource land designation;"

     This bill responds to the growing shortage of gravel and to land use conflicts over gravel mining operations.  Clearly, there is a need for new sources of gravel.  This bill, however, goes too far in limiting the rights of concerned citizens, communities and local governments to address fully and appropriately the impacts of gravel mines and gravel mining operations.

     As in the past, this issue will continue to be contentious until local governments, concerned citizens and the industry resolve their differences.  The Land Use Commission is ideally suited for this task and, with this veto, I am requesting that the Commission bring closure to this issue and provide a recommendation on how to move ahead next year.  I strongly encourage local governments, concerned citizens and the industry representatives to work through their differences in order to meet the need for additional gravel operations without encroaching on the land use authority of local governments and the rights of concerned citizens and communities.

     For these reasons, I have vetoed Engrossed House Bill No. 1472 in its entirety.

                   Respectfully submitted,

                   Gary Locke

                   Governor