| VETO MESSAGE ON SSB 5790 |
| May 16, 2017 |
| 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 3, Substitute Senate Bill No. 5790 entitled: |
"AN ACT Relating to the economic development element of the growth management act." |
| The Growth Management Act (GMA) provides for a balanced approach between community economic development and the conservation of resource lands, such as farms and forests. Section 3 of this bill undermines that balance by favoring, in certain counties, economic development over the protection of these resource lands. |
| I am committed to supporting economic development across Washington State so all areas and communities thrive. This commitment includes working with legislators and stakeholders on how we better develop the economy of rural and other underserved areas. At the same time, I remain committed to fully supporting the GMA, which has created the framework for thoughtful growth and comprehensive development plans while protecting vital resource lands. |
| During special session, I am willing to consider a more targeted bill that provides some additional flexibility to encourage economic development in rural communities, while maintaining the overall balanced approach within the GMA. |
| Over the interim, it would also be helpful to reexamine how we encourage economic development in rural areas. This would be an appropriate topic for the broader review of the GMA as proposed in the Senate and House budgets. |
| For these reasons I have vetoed Section 3 of Substitute Senate Bill No. 5790. |
| With the exception of Section 3, Substitute Senate Bill No. 5790 is approved. |
| Respectfully submitted, |
| Jay Inslee |
| Governor |