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Senate of Pennsylvania
Session of 2013 - 2014 Regular Session

MEMORANDUM

Posted:	March 21, 2014 11:34 AM
From:	Senator John C. Rafferty, Jr.
To:	All Senate members
Subject:	Delaware River Port Authority (DRPA ) Reforms

As you may know, the Delaware River Port Authority (DRPA) is responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of four bridges crossing the Delaware River between Pennsylvania and New Jersey and the PATCO commuter rail line between South Jersey and Philadelphia. This $325-million-a year bi-state agency is funded by the tolls that commuters pay to cross the bridges. The DRPA has come under increasing scrutiny over recent years for its unacceptable practices, including its patronage hiring, lack of transparency, lavish perks, excessive spending and debt, and burdensome toll increases. It is imperative to enact comprehensive reforms at DRPA, and for the last few sessions I have introduced legislation to accomplish this. In 2010, SB 1490 was passed with overwhelming support by the Senate, and the legislation that I intend to introduce is an updated version of that language. I have been working with representatives and staff from the New Jersey legislature, Representative Vereb’s office, and Senate staff to develop legislation that will amend the interstate compact between Pennsylvania and New Jersey which governs the agency. To amend this compact, both states must adopt the same reforms, and the compact must then be approved by Congress. I am currently preparing to introduce this legislation, which will make the agency more transparent and open to the public by: Prohibiting the ability of the DRPA to engage in economic development activity. Adopting an open records policy. Providing 30 days public notice prior to any vote concerning a contract. Prohibiting DRPA from negotiating, extending, amending or otherwise altering the terms of a contract, or entering into a contract, unless the action is taken by the DRPA board at a public meeting. Requiring biennial budget audits, biennial performance audits and a biennial review of compensation for all DRPA employees. Prohibiting DRPA management from receiving their salaries until audits are complete. Requiring board members to file financial interest statements and identify any potential conflicts of interest in writing in advance of board meetings. Requiring current and prospective vendors to disclose a list of political contributions annually and for the prior four years. Requiring a two-thirds majority of commissioners for any toll increases. Prohibiting charitable contributions by board members and officers on behalf of DRPA. Prohibiting DRPA officers and employees (at the director level and higher) from being employed by an entity that does business with DRPA for two years after the individual leaves DRPA service. Prohibiting officers and employees at the director level or higher to hold outside employment during their tenure at DRPA. Prohibiting political activity using DRPA time or resources. Requiring the use of best practices in procurement and the acceptance of bid proposals online. Prohibiting any transaction or professional activity and engaging in any outside business that presents a conflict of interest with DRPA duties. My bill will also limit DRPA board member, officer and employee “perks” by: Prohibiting vehicle allowances, toll exemptions, and lump sum expense allowances. Prohibiting any personal lines of credit from DRPA. Prohibiting the acceptance of any gifts that could affect the conduct of DRPA business. Prohibiting the hiring of immediate family members of current commissioners, officers, directors or employees. Prohibiting salaries to be higher than those of the Governors of Pennsylvania and New Jersey. In addition, my legislation will require Senate confirmation of each of the Governor’s six appointees to the DRPA board, providing for legislative involvement in the appointment process. Finally, a Port Authority Transit Corporation (PATCO) Commuter Council will be created to study, investigate, monitor and make recommendations pertaining to the maintenance and operation of PATCO’s facilities for the transportation of passengers.

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