HB 1019 - DIGEST

(DIGEST AS ENACTED)

     Makes appropriations for projects recommended by the public works board.

VETO MESSAGE ON HB 1019

                   May 9, 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 as to section 3, House Bill No. 1019 entitled:

"AN ACT Relating to appropriations for projects recommended by the public works board;"

     House Bill No. 1019 provides a list of 34 public works projects for funding from the Public Works Assistance Account.  It also provides a supplemental appropriation to cover 19 of the projects, listed in section 2 of the bill.

     Section 3 of the bill would require the Public Works Board to ensure that at the beginning of each fiscal quarter there is a sufficient cash balance in the public works assistance account to cover the disbursements anticipated during the quarter.  I completely agree with the need to maintain sufficient cash reserves.  However, the language in the bill would require maintenance of approximately $35,000,000 in reserves.  I believe that amount is far too large.  In my proposed capital budget, I recommended a reserve of $15,000,000.  The $20,000,000 difference can be used to complete projects that are badly needed now.

     For these reasons, I have vetoed section 3 of House Bill No. 1019.

     With the exception of section 3, I am approving House Bill No. 1019.

                   Respectfully submitted,

                   Gary Locke

                   Governor