VETO MESSAGE ON SB 5782-S

                   April 24, 1997

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 Substitute Senate Bill 5782 entitled:

"AN ACT Relating to bid requirements for water-sewer districts;"

     The intent of this legislation was to allow water-sewer districts to keep pace with inflation by increasing the threshold for outside construction bids.  It was never intended to jeopardize the current operations of these districts.  However, the ambiguity and vagueness of the language contained in this bill would very likely result in unintended consequences that would greatly increase expenses for water-sewer districts.

     For example, small projects that are currently performed in-house may have to be redirected as contractor bids. The use of vendor listings may be prohibited, which would reduce the flexibility of materials procurement.  The advocates and the prime sponsor of this bill have agreed that it is fatally flawed and should be vetoed.

     For these reasons, I have vetoed Substitute Senate Bill No. 5782 in its entirety.

                   Respectfully submitted,

                   Gary Locke

                   Governor