Bridge Commission Swears in New Member
James D. Fattorini to Serve Three-Year Term

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Palmyra, NJ – At the Burlington County Bridge Commission’s first meeting of the new year, Chairman John Comegno unveiled the Commission’s “Safety in Numbers” report, which provided highlights of the Commission’s accomplishments over the past year.  He stressed that bridge safety, bridge maintenance and tax relief will continue to be the organization’s focus, with the goal of safe and affordable spans.

“Despite the economic challenges of 2011, we improved our landmark bridges, provided safe and efficient travel for our loyal customers, and gave property tax relief to the people of Burlington County,” said Comegno.  “All while remaining true to our core mission of maintaining safe bridges.”

Comegno’s “Safety in Numbers” report included the following figures for 2011:
• 14.1 million:  number of vehicles that crossed the Tacony-Palmyra and Burlington-Bristol Bridges
• $15.4 million dollars:  total amount saved Burlco taxpayers since 2002 on pooled-lease and pooled loan financing to benefit local governments and nonprofits
• $1.4 million dollars: amount saved by the County, Burlington City, Evesham, Maple Shade and Pemberton by refunding a $37.8 million dollar loan from 2002.
• $929,000:  total in small business loans written for Burlco businesses that resulted in 46 jobs.
• $618,000:  amount saved by the County and Delanco Sewerage Authority on the refunding of a $9.5 million pooled governmental lease financing
• $562,155:  amount of grants awarded to 11 Burlco municipalities (applications sponsored by Commission, so at no cost to towns)  — another $509,108 in grant applications still pending (for 9 Burlco towns)    
• $150,000:  amount saved by purchasing products from approved vendors on the state contract
• 4,000:  number of students who visited Palmyra Cove Nature Park
• 1,500:  number of motorists assisted by Commission Police each year
• 0.01% (one one-hundredth of one percent):  percentage of EZ-Pass violations ($2,400) out of $13.5 million dollars in revenue — a figure that’s unmatched in the industry
• 211:  number of tickets issued by Commission Police during the “Click it or ticket” initiative, a seat belt enforcement campaign of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

“But of all these statistics, the number I’m most proud is zero,” Comegno added, “because that represents the toll increase on our bridges. 2011 was the 11th consecutive year for no toll increase at the Bridge Commission’s bridges.  As I’ve said before, we’re still the best bargain around.” 

Commissioner Troy E. Singleton added, “I’m proud to say we have hundreds of people employed as part of our aggressive capital plan for bridge maintenance, which currently includes 13 active projects and 15 projects in design.”  “And that’s on top of the 46 jobs that resulted from small business loans from our economic development department.”

And Vice-Chairman James Fattorini said he looks forward to 2012, when the Commission will expand on its accomplishments of 2011 and add exponentially to the assistance provided to residents in Burlington County:  “You can count of us being relentless in pursuing all the dollars we can for struggling Burlington County taxpayers.”

The Burlington County Bridge Commission manages the Tacony-Palmyra and Burlington-Bristol Bridges, and through its economic development and improvement authority powers, assists Burlington County municipalities in economic development and community revitalization projects and extends pooled financing options to local governments and nonprofits in Burlington County. These initiatives have resulted in a savings of more than $15.5 million dollars and more than $13.5 million dollars in grant monies for municipalities.

For information, contact Liz Verna, APR, Director of Communications, (856) 829-1900, ext. 224, cell (856) 417- 4088

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FOR RELEASE 8/25/11

Burlco Bridge Commission: Smart Technology Kicks In With Earthquake: Bridges are Safe

Palmyra – Within minutes after this week’s 5.8 magnitude earthquake, the Burlington County Bridge Commission was able to assess the impact on its landmark bridges crossing from New Jersey to Pennsylvania, determining that the earthquake did not impact the safety or functionality of the bridges. Thanks to smart technology sensing and data collection equipment installed on the two Commission-owned bridges and monitored by the Commission Engineer of Record Pennoni Associates, engineers reviewing data from the Tacony-Palmyra Bridge and the Burlington-Bristol Bridge from remote locations were able to determine almost immediately that these bridges remained unaffected.

While buildings were being evacuated all along the East Coast in fear of structural failure, the Commission was able to immediately assure the public that their bridges were safe. Once the over-all safety and security of the bridges was confirmed, the Commission ordered Pennoni inspectors and engineers to the bridges to perform additional visual inspections.

“As of early Tuesday evening, we had boats in the water checking the piers of both bridges,” said Chairman John Comegno.  “Not because we suspected damage, but to err on the side of extreme caution—the visual inspection was strictly precautionary.  It was due diligence on the part of our engineers and ultimately the responsibility of me and my fellow Commissioners to ensure the public’s safety.” 

These emergency inspections are in addition to the regularly scheduled in-depth, hands-on inspections that were performed last summer and fall.  “That's one of the reasons we are not overly concerned,” said David S. Lowdermilk, PE, Pennoni Regional Vice President for Transportation.   “We know the bridges are in good shape.”

Data collectors on the Burlington-Bristol Bridge collect data from strain gauges which track the everyday stresses and strains on the bridge, including weather and effects of sun and wind.  Any unusual stress levels would trigger a recording of the event. Stress levels caused by the equivalent of a half a legal truck load would trigger a recording. The earthquake did not trigger the system to start recording.  “The foresight shown by the Commission in embracing this technology allowed us to immediately determine that there was no compromise to the safety and integrity of their long-span structures as a result of this earthquake,” Lowdermilk added.  “We were proud to assist the Commission in quickly assessing the results, allowing for speedy communication to the public that the bridges were safe.”

Vice-Chairman James Fattorini added, “The decision to integrate smart technology on these bridges was before my time on the Commission, but it speaks volumes to the organization’s leadership and commitment to its core mission of maintaining safe and efficient bridges.”

“This earthquake certainly highlighted the Commission’s emergency response capabilities with respect to our bridge structures,” said Commissioner Troy Singleton.  “The speed with which our staff responded to this event was nothing short of amazing.”

The Burlington County Bridge Commission manages the Tacony-Palmyra and Burlington-Bristol Bridges, and through its economic development and improvement authority powers, assists Burlington County municipalities in economic development and community revitalization projects and extends pooled financing options to local governments and nonprofits in Burlington County. These initiatives have resulted in a savings of approximately $14 million dollars and more than $13 million dollars in grant monies for municipalities.

For information, contact Liz Verna, APR, Director of Communications, (856) 829-1900, ext. 224, cell (856) 417- 4088

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FOR RELEASE 7/12/11

Bridge Commission:  NO TOLL INCREASE on Tacony-Palmyra & Burlington-Bristol Bridges
Commission Introduces Fiscal Year 2012 Budget

Palmyra—For the eleventh consecutive year, Burlington County Bridge Commissioners announced that there would be no toll increase on its two toll bridges. The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to an aggressive bridge maintenance program and pledged to continue its economic development and tax-saving efforts that have already saved Burlington County taxpayers more than $14 million dollars.

“The Commission is continuing to give our toll payers the financial break they need, now more than ever,” said Bridge Commission Chairman John Comegno.  “I’m proud to announce that once again, we’re not raising tolls—we remain the best bargain around.”

“We will continue to keep our bridges safe and provide direct property tax relief for our residents,” he added, crediting the Commission’s administration and staff for controlling costs and making sacrifices needed to produce a nearly flat budget.

Vice-Chairman James Fattorini said, “The fact that the Commission has held tolls stable since 2000 is a testament to the Commission’s sound financial planning, and doing so while continually improving its historically significant bridges without compromising its assistance to our County’s taxpayers—that’s almost unheard of in this economy.”

The Commission’s $31 million dollar capital budget supports the Commission’s commitment to maintain the integrity and safety of its bridges, and includes the following:
• complete replacement of the Riverside-Delanco Bridge deck,
• complete replacement of electrical powerhouse at the Burlington-Bristol Bridge lift span,
• security & communications upgrade to both Tacony-Palmyra and Burlington-Bristol Bridges that will incorporate smart technology,
• rehabilitation of the Burlington-Bristol Bridge operator’s tower and mechanical building (which controls the bridge’s lift span),
• safety enhancements to toll plaza and painting at both Commission bridges. 

Commissioner Troy E. Singleton echoed the Chairman’s remarks, adding, “I’m not only proud to stand with my fellow Commissioners and announce another year of no toll increases, but am equally pleased that our aggressive capital programs will continue to provide jobs for our citizens struggling to find work.”

The Burlington County Bridge Commission manages the Tacony-Palmyra and Burlington-Bristol Bridges, and through its economic development and improvement authority powers, assists Burlington County municipalities in economic development and community revitalization projects and extends pooled financing options to local governments and nonprofits in Burlington County. These initiatives have resulted in a savings of approximately $14 million dollars and more than $13 million dollars in grant monies for municipalities.

For information, contact Liz Verna, APR, Director of Communications, (856) 829-1900, ext. 224, cell (856) 417- 4088

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FOR RELEASE 5/10/2011

Bridge Improvements Total Nearly $20 Million
Bridge Commission Committed to Core Mission of Bridge Maintenance Without Raising Tolls

New Commissioner Fattorini Named Vice-Chair

Palmyra, NJ – Palmyra, NJ – The Burlington County Bridge Commission is investing nearly $20 million dollars this year in 15 maintenance projects to preserve its landmark Tacony-Palmyra and Burlington-Bristol Bridges and other structures. Commissioners John Comegno, James Fattorini and Troy Singleton provided an update at the Commission’s meeting tonight on authorized construction projects that will incorporate smart technology, enhance security measures, and revitalize the Commission’s two movable spans.

“There’s nothing more important than the dollars we spend on our aggressive bridge maintenance program,” said Comegno. “My fellow Commissioners and I are committed to providing safe and affordable passage over our bridges, which comes from a proactive, carefully designed plan of bridge inspection, maintenance and renewal that is second to none. All with no toll increase.”

Authorized construction projects, totaling $19.6 million, include:

• Security and communications upgrades on the Tacony-Palmyra and Burlington-Bristol Bridges that will incorporate smart technology, allow for more advanced video and data communications between the two bridges, and provide highly sophisticated, three-dimensional models of the two spans from which engineers can monitor actual bridge conditions and behavior,
• Multiple painting projects on both the Tacony-Palmyra and Burlington-Bristol Bridges,
• Safety enhancements to toll plaza areas of Tacony-Palmyra and Burlington-Bristol Bridges, including reconfiguration of areas to improve traffic flow, prevent and lessen impact of traffic accidents,
• Replacement of the Riverside-Delanco bridge deck, including incorporation of smart technology (sensors will be embedded in the concrete deck to monitor moisture and salt penetration),
• Rehabilitation of the Burlington-Bristol Bridge operator’s tower and mechanical building, which controls the bridge’s lift span,
• Complete replacement of the Electrical Powerhouse at the Tacony-Palmyra Bridge, which provides power to the bridge’s mechanical lift span as well as the rest of the bridge’s electrical infrastructure,
• Repointing of masonry piers on Tacony-Palmyra Bridge.

“The added bonus to an excellent program of bridge maintenance is the 200 or so people who will be put to work as a result,” said Commissioner Troy E. Singleton. “I’m proud to be part of the organization that makes those jobs available to people struggling to find work.”

“I may be new to the Commission, but if there’s one thing I’ve learned it’s that the Commission is constantly improving its bridges and facilities…there’s an impressive schedule of bridge maintenance that’s not only followed but continually built upon,” remarked Commissioner Fattorini. “Last week I had an opportunity to tour the bridge facilities and I have to admit I was astounded at the level of organization and attention to detail that was evident from department to department throughout the Commission.”

Projects currently in design include the Pompeston Creek Bridge replacement, a new Commission maintenance facility in Burlington, a Traveler System for the Tacony-Palmyra Bridge and fenders that surround piers of the Tacony-Palmyra Bridge. Those fenders were damaged seven years ago and were the focus of a multi-year court battle with Lloyd’s of London, which ultimately resulted in a $10.9 million reimbursement to the Commission.

“This year’s capital program is $5 million more than last year’s program, which goes to show that even in a challenging economy we make decisions about bridge maintenance based on sound principles aimed at keeping our structures safe,” said Comegno. “Those dollars are an investment, not only in our historically significant bridges, but also in the loyal motoring public that travels our spans.”

New Commissioner Fattorini Named Vice-Chair

Burlington County Bridge Commissioners also elected James D. Fattorini to the position of Vice-Chairperson. Appointed April 13th by the Freeholders to a three- year term, Fattorini was sworn in at the Commission’s meeting held the next day.

Chairman Comegno applauded Fattorini’s willingness to take on this new role as well as his eagerness to learn: “Commissioner Fattorini has already shown a remarkable curiosity and interest in learning all he can in this new role of Commissioner. I know he’ll embrace this role of Vice-Chair with the same enthusiasm and commitment.”

The Burlington County Bridge Commission manages the Tacony-Palmyra and Burlington-Bristol Bridges, and through its economic development and improvement authority powers, assists Burlington County municipalities in economic development and community revitalization projects and extends pooled financing options to local governments and nonprofits in Burlington County. These initiatives have resulted in a savings of approximately $14 million dollars and nearly $13 million dollars in grant monies for municipalities.

For information, contact Liz Verna, APR, Director of Communications, (856) 829-1900, ext. 224, cell (856) 417- 4088

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FOR RELEASE 4/14/11

Bridge Commission Swears in New Member
James D. Fattorini to Serve Three-Year Term

Palmyra, NJ – At the Burlington County Bridge Commission’s April 14^th meeting, James D. Fattorini was sworn in as its newest member.  Currently in private law practice in Moorestown, Fattorini was appointed on April 13^th to a three-year term by the Burlington County Board of Chosen Freeholders.

Chairman John Comegno welcomed Fattorini:
 “Jim will be a great complement to our team and an asset to the Commission.  His commitment to making the community a better place will fit perfectly with his new role as Bridge Commissioner. I look forward to working with him.”  

In his own law practice since 1994, Fattorini primarily handles criminal defense cases but also provides representation in civil and criminal cases in Superior Court.  He currently serves as Public Defender in seven Burlington County towns and formerly held the position of Prosecutor in Riverside, Maple Shade, Palmyra, and Riverton.  Mr. Fattorini is also a member of both the Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks of the USA and Knights of Columbus, community-service oriented organizations he has been involved with for more than 20 years.

“I appreciate the Freeholders’ confidence in appointing me to this position and will bring my best to the position of Bridge Commissioner,” said Mr. Fattorini.  “I’m impressed by the work of my fellow Commissioners to provide property tax relief to Burlington County taxpayers and I’m eager to be a part of that service to the community.  And of course I’m excited to learn more about how the Commission operates and maintains its bridges and facilities,” Fattorini added.

Appointed by the Burlington County Board of Chosen Freeholders, Commissioners are responsible for general oversight of the Burlington County Bridge Commission.  Commissioners are involved in decision-making as it relates to governance of the agency. They also have oversight over all senior management of the Commission, general oversight over the implementation of appropriate management and financial controls, and maintaining procurement policies and procedures consistent with governing law. 

Troy Singleton, the Commission’s lone Democrat, said of Fattorini’s appointment:  "I would like to congratulate Commissioner Fattorini on his appointment and welcome him to the Commission. Although he has enormous shoes to fill with the departure of Commissioner Anderson, I am sure that he will adopt the same team approach to managing the affairs of the Commission."

“We have said that we are committed to do whatever we can to provide property tax relief to the people of Burlington County,” said Comegno, “and now we have a new member to join us in that mission.”  “And that’s all while remaining true to our core mission, providing safe and efficient travel for the loyal customers who use our bridges, which are still the best bargain around.”

The Burlington County Bridge Commission manages the Tacony-Palmyra and Burlington-Bristol Bridges, and through its economic development and improvement authority powers, assists Burlington County municipalities in economic development and community revitalization projects and extends pooled financing options to local governments and nonprofits in Burlington County. These initiatives have resulted in a savings of approximately $14 million dollars and nearly $13 million dollars in grant monies for municipalities.

For information, contact Liz Verna, APR, Director of Communications, (856) 829-1900, ext. 224, cell (856) 417- 4088

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