| VETO MESSAGE ON ESSB 6392 |
| March 30, 2010 |
| 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 1 and 3, Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6392 entitled: |
"AN ACT Relating to the use of revenue generated from tolling the state route number 520 corridor." |
| Section 1 outlines legislative intent for the bill. I believe the legislation itself states clearly that improvements throughout the SR 520 corridor need to move forward, with the proper input from appropriate parties. However, Section 1 is vague and susceptible to conflicting interpretations, which I believe could hinder our ability to make progress on a project that is important to public safety and economic vitality. |
| Section 3 requires that the SR 520 bridge be no higher than 20 feet. I recognize it is important to local communities that the bridge have as low a profile as possible. Decisions regarding the dimensions of a transportation facility must also be based on engineering standards, safety considerations, permitting requirements, and state and federal law. Section 3 potentially prevents the Department of Transportation from complying with Coast Guard requirements and eliminates any possibility of adjusting the size of the facility based upon design or permitting needs. As a result, I am vetoing this section and directing the Department to continue to work with neighborhoods and local governments to refine the preferred alternative design. |
| For these reasons, I have vetoed Sections 1 and 3 of Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6392. |
| With the exception of Sections 1 and 3, Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6392 is approved. |
| Respectfully submitted, |
| Christine Gregoire |
| Governor |