Senator Diane Allen: DRPA Must Live Within Its Means

August 20, 2008

Contact: Bill Murray / (609) 292-5199
Senator Diane Allen (R-7)

Senator Diane Allen, the Deputy Minority Leader, issued the following statement opposing increased tolls on the Delaware River crossings and the PATCO high speed rail line:

“It is outrageous that the DRPA isn’t thinking at all about the South Jersey residents who use their bridges. I believe that the DRPA’s decision to raise tolls is totally insensitive to the financial stresses that many families are dealing with. This toll hike will only increase the growing financial pressure on middle class families in South Jersey.

“The Delaware River Port Authority must learn to live within its means. The cost of fuel and food are increasing exponentially, forcing South Jersey families to cut corners and pinch pennies. They are finding ways to live within their means; the DRPA must do the same. The DRPA should examine salaries, staffing, and scrutinize expenditures. Its goal shouldn’t be how much can it raise from struggling families, but how can it better utilize the money it now receives.”

“I will introduce a resolution in the Senate when we reconvene in the fall, calling for the repeal of these toll hikes. In the interim I ask that Governor Corzine exercise his authority, under N.J.S.A 32:3-4c, to veto the actions of all New Jersey Commissioners of the DRPA in this matter. By doing so, he will effectively block toll hikes on South Jersey commuters.

“The bottom line: if the governor fails to veto the actions of the New Jersey Commissioners, then we can thank not just the DRPA Commissioners but also Jon Corzine for higher tolls.”

Link to Post:

http://www.senatenj.com/index.php/allen/senator-diane-allen-drpa-must-live-within-its-means/920