Dunleavy vetoes rural transit planning bill

Governor Mike Dunleavy vetoed a bill that would have required the state to include rural transit programs in statewide transportation planning.

Dunleavy vetoed House Bill 26 on May 20. His veto message said the bill was unnecessary because the state already does what the bill would require.

The bill would have required the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities to include rural transit programs like those in Nome and Tok when drafting a statewide transit plan. It also would have required coordination with the Alaska Railroad, the state ferry system, tribes, and local planning groups.

Representative Genevieve Mina sponsored the bill. It passed the Senate 16-4 on April 29 and the House 22-14 on May 1.

The legislature adjourned its regular session before the veto. An override attempt is unlikely unless lawmakers reconvene.