| VETO MESSAGE ON ESHB 1504 |
| May 16, 2017 |
| 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, Engrossed Substitute House Bill No. 1504 entitled: |
"AN ACT Relating to rail dependent uses for purposes of the growth management act and related development regulations." |
| 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 rural and other underserved areas. |
| At the same time, I remain committed to fully supporting the Growth Management Act, which has created the framework for thoughtful growth and comprehensive development plans while protecting vital resource lands. |
| While this bill might help rural counties to develop adjacent to short line railroads in designated counties, it would undermine our longstanding commitment to preserve working farms and promote our agricultural economy. |
| The Growth Management Act provides for a process to redesignate resource lands and convert the use of those lands. As part of a broader review of the Growth Management Act, it would be appropriate to reexamine how we provide additional flexibility for encouraging economic development in rural areas. It is my understanding that such a review is proposed in the Senate and House budgets, and I would support that review. |
| For these reasons I have vetoed Engrossed Substitute House Bill No. 1504 in its entirety. |
| Respectfully submitted, |
| Jay Inslee |
| Governor |