VETO MESSAGE ON SB 6063-S

                   April 26, 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 sections 121, 391(4) and 717, Substitute Senate Bill No. 6063 entitled:

"AN ACT Relating to the capital budget;"

     The 1997-99 capital budget enacted by the legislature includes the investments in education facilities that will be necessary to serve the growing enrollments expected in public schools, our community colleges, and the four-year higher education institutions.  This commitment must be maintained in future years, and represents the highest priority element of the state construction program.  The capital budget I am approving is the appropriate next step in providing the educational facilities our citizens deserve, and sets in motion a long-term spending plan that will be adequate and affordable.

     Although I am generally pleased with the budget as enacted, I do have some concerns and have vetoed the following sections:

Section 121, page 12, Emergency projects declared and specifically enacted by the legislature (Department of Community, Trade, and Economic Development)

     The specific projects to be funded from this appropriation are not identified, so no work can be accomplished with these funds.  I have vetoed this section to allow these appropriations to be redirected to projects and programs that are ready to proceed.

Section 391(4), page 75, Aquatic lands enhancement grants (Department of Natural Resources)

     Subsection 4 of section 391 presents an undue restriction to the completion of the Rocky Reach Trailway project near Wenatchee.  The State Parks and Recreation Commission has been developing this trail in cooperation with the Department of Transportation and adjoining property owners to complete a highly valued connection between two state parks.  Trail development should continue as proposed.  I am instructing the Commission to work closely with adjoining property owners to address any concerns they may have.

Section 717, page 144, Well regulation fees (Department of Ecology)

     The proviso language in section 717 requires that when the Department of Ecology delegates to a county or local health district certain responsibilities related to well regulations, the county or health district would receive 75 percent of the well regulation fees paid.  I have vetoed this section because the change in the fee sharing formula would reduce Department of Ecology revenues below the level necessary to administer the program.  I encourage the Department to negotiate the cost of delegated responsibilities with the counties and local districts to develop a solution to this issue.

     For these reasons, I have vetoed sections 121, 391(4) and 717 of Substitute Senate Bill No. 6063.

     With the exception of sections 121, 391(4) and 717, Substitute Senate Bill No. 6063 is approved.

                   Respectfully submitted,

                   Gary Locke

                   Governor