SB 5177-S - DIGEST

(DIGEST AS ENACTED)

Revises transportation benefit district provisions.

VETO MESSAGE ON SB 5177-S

May 9, 2005

To the Honorable President and Members,

The Senate of the State of Washington

Ladies and Gentlemen:

I am returning, without my approval as to Section 23, Substitute Senate Bill No. 5177 entitled:

"AN ACT Relating to transportation benefit districts."

Section 23 of Substitute Senate Bill No. 5177 transfers the authority for approving construction of toll roads from the Department of Transportation (Department) to the Transportation Commission (Commission). Now that the Commission no longer possesses oversight authority, and the Department is now a cabinet level agency, it is inappropriate for the Commission to be approving construction of transportation facilities.

For these reasons, I have vetoed Section 23 of Substitute Senate Bill No. 5177.

With the exception of Section 23, Substitute Senate Bill No. 5177 is approved.

Respectfully submitted,

Christine O. Gregoire

Governor