GOVERNOR CORZINE’S STATEMENT ON THE DELAWARE RIVER PORT AUTHORITY’S BOARD MEETING MINUTES

FROM THE OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR

August 28, 2008

Contact: Robert Corrales
609-777-2600


TRENTON – Governor Jon S. Corzine today announced that he will not veto the Delaware River Port Authority’s recent decision to increase tolls and fares on the DRPA’s four bridges and on the PATCO train system to fund needed infrastructure improvements.   

“The DRPA has shown through a series of public meetings and hearings that this action is necessary to keep the bridges and PATCO trains operating safely and efficiently,” said Governor Corzine.  “Without this funding the DRPA would be unable to make vital investments in its infrastructure, like re-decking the 50-year-old Walt Whitman Bridge, rebuilding aging PATCO train cars, and completing other important safety and repair projects.”  

Governor Corzine commended the DRPA for amending the resolution approving the toll increase to state that no proceeds from the increase can be used for Regional Economic Development purposes.  “The funds from this toll increase must be used exclusively for transportation infrastructure.  If the DRPA attempts to use those funds for economic development projects on either side of the river, I will exercise my authority to veto any such action.”