12/19/03-The agency that sets tolls and manages bridges over the Delaware River would be subject to annual audits under a bill that passed the House Dec. 16.
The bill was approved 197-1. It now moves to the Senate, which isn’t expected to bring it to a vote until next year.
HB1801 was introduced this summer amid controversy over toll increases the Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission imposed in November 2002 for seven toll bridges it maintains between the two states and questions about how the revenue is to be spent.
The increase hiked tolls on trucks from 50 cents per axle to $2.25 per axle. Tolls on cars were doubled from 50 cents to $1. In 2004, truck tolls are to increase again to $2.75 per axle.
The agency said the new rates were needed to help fund a 10-year, $526 million capital improvement plan for economic development.
Since then, The Morning Call reported that the commission intended to set aside $278 million from the increases over the next decade for unauthorized projects.
The bill, introduced by Rep. Bob Freeman, D-Northampton, would require annual joint audits by the auditors general of Pennsylvania and New Jersey, and would mandate that annual reports on those financial and performance audits be given to the governors and state legislatures of each state.
Audits also would become available for public inspection.
“Commuters using these bridges and paying these tolls deserve to know how the toll revenues are being used,” Freeman said, “particularly in light of the revelation that the commission was planning on using some of the toll revenue for economic development that is beyond its stated mission.”
The provision was approved in New Jersey years ago but requires the same language to be approved in Pennsylvania and in Congress before it can be implemented.

10/16/03-A bill that would require Pennsylvania and New Jersey officials to conduct audits of the agency that sets tolls and manages bridges over the Delaware River is headed to the full House for consideration.
HB1801, which unanimously passed the House Intergovernmental Affairs Committee Sept. 30, would require both states to conduct performance and financial audits of the commission every two years to guarantee that the toll revenue is being properly managed.
The provision was approved in New Jersey years ago but requires the same language to be approved in Pennsylvania and in Congress before it can be implemented.
For bill status, call (717) 787-2342.

7/25/03-HB1801 would require Pennsylvania and New Jersey officials to conduct audits of the agency that sets tolls and manages bridges over the Delaware River.
The proposal comes amid controversy over toll increases the Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission imposed last November for seven toll bridges it maintains between the two states and questions about how the revenue is to be spent.
The increase hiked tolls on trucks from 50 cents per axle to $2.25 per axle. Tolls on cars were doubled from 50 cents to $1. In 2004, truck tolls are to increase again to $3.25 per axle.
HB1801, sponsored by Rep. Bob Freeman, D-Northampton, would require both states to conduct performance and financial audits of the commission every two years to guarantee that the toll revenue is being properly managed.
" Commuters using these bridges and paying these tolls deserve to know how the toll revenues are being used," Freeman said, "particularly in light of the revelation that the commission was planning on using some of the toll revenue for economic development that is beyond its stated mission."
The provision was approved in New Jersey years ago but requires the same language to be approved in Pennsylvania and in Congress before it can be implemented.
The bill is in the House Intergovernmental Affairs Committee. For bill status, call (717) 787-2342.

7/21/03-Rep. Bob Freeman, D-Northampton, has introduced a bill – HB1801 – requiring Pennsylvania and New Jersey to conduct performance and financial audits of the Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission every two years to guarantee that revenue from the agency’s seven toll bridges is being properly managed.
“ Commuters using these bridges and paying these tolls deserve to know how the toll revenues are being used,” Freeman said in a statement, “particularly in light of the revelation that the commission was planning on using some of the toll revenue for economic development that is beyond its stated mission.”
The provision was approved in New Jersey years ago but requires the same language to be approved in Pennsylvania and in Congress before it can be implemented.
It is in the House Intergovernmental Affairs Committee. For bill status, call (717) 787-2342.