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Released: 12/12/2007
DRPA Adopts 2008 Budget
The Delaware River Port Authority approved its 2008 operating and capital budgets authorizing $79.7 million in expenditures for all DRPA operations and $93.6 million in DRPA funds for capital expenses for DRPA's four bridges, PATCO, Cruise Terminal and Ferry. PATCO's operating budget is $42.5 million. The DRPA budget represents a $3.4 million or 4.4 percent increase compared to the 2007 budget. The PATCO budget represents a $1.5 million or 3.6 percent increase compared to the 2007 budget. The 2008 Budgets closely follow the cost-savings measures begun in recent years despite higher personnel costs, health insurance, maintenance/vehicle repairs, fuel, utility and other operating costs. Highlights of the 2008 Budget versus 2007 Budget are as follows: •No increase for bridge tolls or PATCO fares. No changes to the E-ZPass discount structure. •Anticipated toll revenues of $195.4 million. Toll revenues are projected to remain relatively flat in 2008. •Anticipated increase in total PATCO revenues of $99,400 over 2007 budgeted revenue. •PATCO ridership is projected to remain relatively flat in 2008. “We are proud to have passed a balanced budget that maximizes our efficiencies without sacrificing service to our customers,” said DRPA Vice Chairman Jeff Nash. “The budget reflects many months of hard work on the part of staff and Commissioners in identifying and addressing critical needs in the face of challenges such as maintaining the integrity of our facilities, health care costs and increased fuel and utility costs.” “I commend the Commissioners and the staff of the DRPA on their hard work in controlling costs throughout the year in order to come up with a budget that we can be proud of,” said John H. Estey, DRPA Chairman Designee. “An operating budget increase of less than five percent shows the level of commitment the Commissioners and staff have in keeping DRPA spending in line.” The Delaware River Port Authority is a regional transportation agency. DRPA owns and operates the Benjamin Franklin, Walt Whitman, Commodore Barry and Betsy Ross bridges, PATCO, the Philadelphia Cruise Terminal and the RiverLink Ferry.[ Return to List ]