VETO MESSAGE ON SB 6194

                   July 13, 2001

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, Engrossed Senate Bill No. 6194 entitled:

"AN ACT Relating to authorizing the provision of pilotage services in the Grays Harbor pilotage district by port districts;"

     Engrossed Senate Bill No. 6194 authorizes the Port of Grays Harbor to undertake pilotage services under certain conditions.  This bill will help ensure the safe passage of maritime traffic in the Grays Harbor pilotage district when no private sector pilots are available.

     Section 2 of the bill mandates a study of this authorization by the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee.  Although a review of the provisions and effectiveness of this act should be undertaken, the scope of the study is too broad.  It specifically requests that the committee investigate whether other ports have indicated an interest in providing pilotage services, suggesting that we might consider the provision of pilotage services by ports other than Grays Harbor.

     In the case of Grays Harbor, it is clear that the private sector is no longer able to adequately provide this essential public service.  However, there is no evidence to suggest that the public needs to provide these services in any other area.  The public sector should not unnecessarily displace functioning private sector businesses.

     For these reasons I have vetoed section 2 of Engrossed Senate Bill No. 6194.

     With the exception of section 2, Engrossed Senate Bill No. 6194 is approved.

                   Respectfully submitted,

                   Gary Locke

                   Governor