| HB 2524-S.E - DIGEST |
| (DIGEST AS ENACTED) |
Makes 2015-2017 supplemental transportation appropriations. |
| VETO MESSAGE ON ESHB 2524 |
| March 25, 2016 |
| 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 Sections 214(2), 215(8), 218(6), and 302(13), Engrossed Substitute House Bill No. 2524 entitled: |
"AN ACT Relating to transportation funding and appropriations." |
| Section 214(2), pages 28-29, Department of Transportation, Economic Partnerships |
| This proviso directs the Department of Transportation's Economic Partnerships Program to study and report to the transportation committees of the Legislature on the feasibility of contracting with the private sector to collect tolls and provide services to drivers crossing the Tacoma Narrows Bridge. No funding was provided for the study, and the in-depth analysis and research required for such a study is beyond the capacity of the current two program staff. The program is already consulting with the department's Tolling Division on its ongoing efforts to reduce costs associated with the Tacoma Narrows Bridge consistent with previous legislative direction in the underlying biennial budget. The Tolling Division will report on this work prior to the 2017 legislative session. For these reasons, I have vetoed Section 214(2). |
| Section 215(8), page 30, Department of Transportation, Highway Maintenance |
| Section 215(8) requires the department to use $100,000 of existing resources to submit a request for proposals as part of a pilot project to explore the use of rotary auger ditch cleaning and reshaping service technology. No new funding was provided for the department to conduct this activity and the proviso represents a cut to the current maintenance budget. For these reasons, I have vetoed Section 215(8). |
| Section 218(6), pages 35-36, Department of Transportation, Transportation Planning, Data, and Research |
| This proviso directs the department within existing resources to report on state options for addressing the removal of the Eastside Freight railroad line, which runs from the city of Snohomish to the city of Woodinville. The state has no jurisdiction over the preservation and maintenance of this rail corridor and has no jurisdiction over future freight rail service or projects underway or planned for the corridor. For these reasons, I have vetoed Section 218(6). |
| Section 302(13), page 45, Washington State Patrol, Whiskey Ridge Radio Communications Site |
| The $80,000 appropriated for this project is insufficient and less than half of the agency request amount of $175,000, which was also included in my budget proposal. The proviso language prohibiting the use of other funds to complete the project also unduly restricts the agency's ability to manage its appropriations. The Washington State Patrol will not use the funding provided for this project and will instead look at other options to address the need for a shelter at this site, including a potential future budget request. For these reasons, I have vetoed Section 302(13). |
| For these reasons I have vetoed Sections 214(2), 215(8), 218(6), and 302(13) of Engrossed Substitute House Bill No. 2524. |
| With the exception of Sections 214(2), 215(8), 218(6), and 302(13), Engrossed Substitute House Bill No. 2524 is approved. |
| Respectfully submitted, |
| Jay Inslee |
| Governor |