SB 5073.E - DIGEST

(DIGEST AS ENACTED)

Finds that throughout Washington state there are many active efforts to protect, manage, and restore watersheds. The state's river systems provide a variety of benefits for society's many needs, so efforts to protect these watersheds should reflect the diversity of social, environmental, and economic factors that make the state unique.

Finds that cooperative watershed management actions by local governments, special districts, and utilities can help maintain healthy watershed function and support the beneficial use of water by these entities and protect the quality of the resource that they use or affect. By participating in cooperative watershed management actions, local governments, special districts, and utilities are acting in the public interest and in a manner that is intended to sustain maximum beneficial use and high quality of water over time and to maintain the services that these entities provide.

Declares an intent to remove statutory barriers that may prevent local governments from working together in the creation and implementation of cooperative, coordinated watershed plans. In addition, it is the further intent of this act to provide additional authorities to assist in such implementation.

Provides that the legislative authority of a city or county and the governing body of any special purpose district enumerated in this act may authorize up to ten percent of its water-related revenues to be expended in the implementation of watershed management plan projects or activities that are in addition to the county's, city's, or district's existing water-related services or activities.

VETO MESSAGE ON SB 5073

May 16, 2003

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 section 5 Engrossed Senate Bill No. 5073 entitled:

"AN ACT Relating to watershed management;"

This bill provides a number of mechanisms that will assist local governments to cooperate among themselves in watershed planning efforts.

With the concurrence of the prime sponsor, I have vetoed section 5, which contains some confusing language.

With the exception of section 5, I am signing Engrossed Senate Bill No. 5073.

For this reason, I have vetoed section 5 of Engrossed Senate Bill No. 5073.

Respectfully submitted,

Gary Locke

Governor