NEW CASTLE, Del. – Today, Delaware River and Bay Authority (DRBA) officials announced the schedule for two public hearings to discuss the goals and objectives of the proposed toll increase plan and detail the critical infrastructure investments required at the bi-state agency’s crossing facilities, the Delaware Memorial Bridge and Cape May – Lewes Ferry.  

“In the near future, we expect neighboring toll agencies to proceed with cashless tolling operations and we need to be prepared for that eventuality,” said DRBA Executive Director Thomas J. Cook.  “Our first goal is to increase E-ZPass penetration among Delaware Memorial Bridge customers to a level greater than 85%, with the second objective of setting toll rates sufficient to fund an aggressive capital improvement program for our crossing facilities in subsequent years.  Significant investment in our infrastructure, which is dictated by its age, condition, operating environment and heavy volume of usage, continues to be our top priority.”

What:    The DRBA will hold public hearings in Delaware and New Jersey to inform our stakeholders concerning the goals and objectives of a toll increase plan at the Delaware Memorial Bridge, detail vital capital infrastructure investments at the Authority’s aging and heavily utilized crossing facilities, provide information on the proposed new rate structure, and solicit public comment.  

DE:    On Tuesday, October 8 at 6:30 p.m., a public hearing will take place on the main floor of the Vincent A. Julia Center adjacent to the Delaware Memorial Bridge Toll Plaza, conjunction of I-295 and U.S. Route 9 in New Castle.

NJ:    On Thursday, October 10 at 6:30 p.m., a second public hearing will take place at the Salem Community College Davidow Performing Arts Theatre located in Davidow Hall 460 Hollywood Ave in Carneys Point Township.

Why:    In future years, revenue projections will be insufficient to provide borrowing capacity or cash revenue to fund necessary infrastructure investment projects, which are expected to cost more than $550 million over the next five years.  The following are some of the major capital projects planned at Delaware Memorial Bridge and Cape May – Lewes Ferry during the next several years:  Bridge Paint Removal and Recoating ($37.1 million); Suspension Rope Replacement ($11.5 million); Bridge Steelwork Repairs ($52.7 million); Worker Safety/Fall Protection ($11 million) Ship Collision Protection System ($30 million); Cashless Tolling ($21 million); Route 295 Bridge 1 Widening ($11.5 million); and New Vessel Program at the Cape May – Lewes Ferry ($60 million).   

About the Delaware River and Bay Authority 
The DRBA, a bi-state governmental agency created by Compact in 1962, owns and operates the Delaware Memorial Bridge, the Cape May- Lewes Ferry, and the Forts Ferry Crossing.  The DRBA also manages two airports in New Jersey (Millville Executive Airport and Cape May Airport) and three in Delaware (Wilmington Airport, Civil Air Terminal and Delaware Airpark). All DRBA operating revenues are generated through the bridge, ferry and airport facilities.  For more information, visit www.drba.net.