Greater DRPA scrutiny proposed

Congressmen Brady and Andrews call for inspector general and citizens’ panel to keep tabs on port authority activities.

Two area congressmen want more people looking over the shoulder of the Delaware River Port Authority. Their push for added scrutiny stems from questions about the authority’s policies.

Congressmen Bob Brady of Pennsylvania and Rob Andrews of New Jersey propose a bill that would allow more oversight at the agency that runs area bridges and the PATCO High Speed Line. Brady says he wants an inspector general’s position at the DRPA as well as a forum for those who use the bridges.

“We’re going to create a citizens’ advisory board,” says Brady. “We’re also going to have someone from the Department of Defense designee serve as an ex-officio member on the DRPA.”

Brady also wants to give Pennsylvania’s governor veto power over DRPA actions. Now only the New Jersey governor has that authority.