GOVERNOR'S VETO

Pursuant to Article V, Section 6, of the Constitution of Virginia, I veto Senate Bill 819, which would reinstate the Tourist Train Development Authority and its board.

In 2000, the General Assembly created the Tourist Train Development Authority and its board to create a tourist train between the County of Tazewell, Town of Pocahontas and Town of Bluefield and to cooperate with localities in West Virginia. There has been no investment to procure a train to make this a reality. During the 2011 Session of the General Assembly, the Tourist Train Development Authority and its board were repealed through HB2520 and SB1471 because there had been no resulting activity from the Board.

It is my understanding the interested parties have continued to work toward this activity through private organizations. During my term as Governor we have worked to reduce the size and scope of government – especially when the private sector can achieve the same goals without government action.

Accordingly, I veto this bill.