Associated Press Published

Governor Vetoes Bond Sale for State Park Projects

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Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin has vetoed a provision in a spending bill that required him to sell bonds for two state park projects.

Tomblin used a line-item veto to remove the provision from the legislation. Lawmakers inserted the provision into the bill before passing it on March 14.

The Legislature had approved a $52 million bond sale in 2012 to pay for improvements at Beech Fork State Park in Wayne County and Cacapon State Park in Morgan County. But the bonds were never issued due to declining state lottery revenue, which would be used to pay for them.

Tomblin says in his veto message that he’s concerned about the provision’s impact on the state’s bond rating. He also questioned the constitutionality of the Legislature’s directive.