FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 25, 2009
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Delaware River Port Authority Spending Takes Its Toll

When the Delaware River Port Authority increased tolls on its four bridges last summer, the board said it would not use that revenue for economic development. But the controversial practice of using revenue from tolls for "economic development" projects is continuing, even while tolls are being raised due to insufficient funds to cover bridge repairs.

Sen. John C. Rafferty, Jr., wants to put a stop to that.

Sen. Rafferty, R-44th, plans to introduce a bill to prohibit the Delaware River Port Authority form making expenditures for "economic development" projects that are unrelated to the actual maintenance or operation of the four Delaware River bridges and the rail line.

Originally the authority was established to fund the operations and maintenance of the bridges and the rail line.

The Delaware River Port Authority's charter was amended in the early 1990s to allow it to contribute funds to non-transportation "economic development" projects.

But times have changed and Sen. Rafferty believes that money should be used to maintain the integrity of the infrastructure under their command.  

While "bridge tolls increase and complaints about poor maintenance continue to rise, the authority spends money on projects unrelated to the bridges," Rafferty said.  "The money from tolls should go toward the authority's main objective and that is the operation and maintenance of the four bridges and rail transit system crossing the Delaware."

Rafferty added, "I encourage my colleagues in New Jersey and the U.S. Congress to pass similar legislation."

The authority's effort to fund economic development projects has drawn the opposition of toll-paying motorists who contribute the majority of the authority's revenue.

Rafferty believes now is the time to get the DRPA back on track, focused on transportation and out of the economic development business. It's not the time to allocate funds to non-bridge projects.

Contact:

Chuck Pitchford
610-469-8390