VETO MESSAGE ON SB 6349-S

                   March 17, 2000

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 2, Substitute Senate Bill No. 6349 entitled:

"AN ACT Relating to extending the expiration date of the water well delegation program;"

     This bill would have extended the authority of the Department of Ecology to delegate the administration and enforcement of tagging, sealing, and decommissioning of water wells to local health districts or counties until June 30, 2006.  By vetoing section 2, the Department's authority will be made permanent.

     Currently, delegation of authority is only provided to local governments that meet the strict requirements of the Department, as set forth in a memorandum of understanding for each delegation.  This program has been in place since 1992 and has already received two sunset reviews.  It is time to make the program permanent because it is cost effective, and has a proven success record that is resulting in enhanced public health and environmental protections.

     For these reasons, I have vetoed section 2 of Substitute Senate Bill No. 6349.

     With the exception of section 2, Substitute Senate Bill No. 6349 is approved.

                   Respectfully submitted,

                   Gary Locke

                   Governor