VETO MESSAGE ON HB 1730-S

                   May 14, 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 Substitute House Bill No. 1730 entitled:

"AN ACT Relating to sufficient cause for nonuse of water rights;"

     Engrossed Substitute House Bill No. 1730 could result in water right permits that would remain in suspension indefinitely if other laws delayed or prohibited completion of development and use of the water.  Having rights to substantial amounts of water indefinitely in suspension would make planning and water allocation for present needs unworkable.  This bill could also provide an opportunity for abuse of the relinquishment statutes. 

     For these reasons, I have vetoed Engrossed Substitute House Bill No. 1730 in its entirety.

                   Respectfully submitted,

                   Gary Locke

                   Governor