The Delaware River & Bay Authority expressed disappointment over New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy’s veto of a toll increase for the Delaware Memorial Bridge.
The DRBA indicated the new toll rate schedule was expected to generate about $34 million in additional annual revenue that was deemed essential to fund the agency’s $440 million Capital Improvement Program (CIP). Murphy claimed the increase covered more than safety needs for the aging twin spans.
Murphy and Delaware Gov. John Carney have veto power over major decisions of the authority. Carney had already signed off on the toll hike.
“As an organization, we are disappointed by the Governor’s decision to veto the Toll Resolution. The organization is deeply concerned about the harmful impact the lack of additional revenue will have on the DRBA’s CIP at all of its transportation facilities this year and in the years to follow. The commissioners from both New Jersey and Delaware take their fiduciary responsibilities seriously and believe the toll increase was necessary to fund critical infrastructure while being fiscally prudent and responsive to public input during the public hearing process.”
The statement went on to note that the bridge generates 75 percent of its operating revenue and 100 percent of net revenues.
“All infrastructure projects undertaken by the DRBA are essentially funded by the Bridge. The fact that surplus revenues help support network-wide infrastructure is neither new nor novel in the transportation industry.”
The statement also defended the performance of the authority’s money-losing ferry service between Lewes and Cape May, NJ.
“All public ferry services are subsidized, most often by the State Departments of Transportation. Cape May – Lewes Ferry management is continually looking to increase efficiencies. The Ferry’s farebox recovery is about 60 percent better than most public ferry and transit services. The DRBA’s capital investment program in the ferry service is not only necessary, but in many cases, required due to U.S. Coast Guard’s stringent requirements related to the service,” the authority statement continued.
“Without the additional revenue that comes with a toll increase, many infrastructure investment projects, including some at the Delaware Memorial Bridge, will be delayed or postponed indefinitely until the resources necessary to fund them are available,” the authority warned.
The statement concluded with the following. “The Authority’s leadership is committed to meeting its fiduciary responsibilities and resolving any misunderstandings with open and honest communications.”
A frosty relationship with New Jersey State Senate leader Stephan Sweeney has been cited as a factor in the veto, according to NJ.com.
See earlier story below by clicking headline.
New Jersey governor vetoes toll hike for Delaware Memorial Bridge
