Tapping In-house Talent Saves Commission Millions
Commission Supports Freeholder Economic Recovery Program

Bridge Commission Awards Contract for Rancocas Creek Clean-Up 
County & Commission Combine Resources to Fight Flooding

 Dr. Frank Moon from Drexel University shared a presentation on "smart technology" -- Commissioners approved two such "smart" projects that will now go to bid.

Bridge Commission Goes Green --- Launches Energy Conservation Program

• repair of the spindles on the 1,000-foot Palmyra Cove Nature Park pedestrian bridge
• complete rebuilding and rewiring of the Commission’s 50-year-old “Bridge Open” sign.

• HVAC — one in-house maintenance staff member has HVAC experience and is state-certified.
• Vehicle maintenance — all BCBC vehicles, including larger commercial trucks like snow plows, are maintained and repaired by qualified BCBC maintenance staff who are experienced in all aspects of automotive repair.
• Welding — three BCBC staffers are certified bridgewelders, and weld everything from important bridge components to lawnmower parts.
• Signage — all flat, metal reflective signs on bridge property are designed and produced at the Commission’s in-house sign shop.

This is what the 20-acre cell at Palmyra Cove Nature Park looked like, after receiving dredge materials last August.

• free use of the Commission’s vehicle wash system for police and public works vehicles, which will ensure municipalities’ compliance with new stormwater regulations from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. This will save towns an average of $2,500 to $5,000 per year in fuel and other costs which would be involved with washing vehicles at more remote locations.
• low-cost pooled capital finance plans (savings of more than $11 million since 2002)                              
• a recently completed two-pronged Shared Service initiative aimed at (1) determining the dollar impact of the Governor’s planned cuts on the 26 small towns affected most and (2) providing these towns with the information they need to determine if that impact can be offset by the $32 million in shared services grant money available from the State.

• low-cost pooled capital finance plans (savings of more than $11 million since 2002)   
• a recently announced two-pronged Shared Service initiative aimed at (1) determining the actual dollar impact of the Governor’s planned cuts on the 26 towns expected to be affected and (2) providing these towns with the information they need to determine if that impact can be offset by the $32 million in shared services grant money
• regular meetings of the Shared Services Forum, a group of elected and appointed public officials who look for opportunities to share services and programs in order to create financial savings for taxpayers

Mt. Holly—Burlington County’s 25 small municipalities are being unfairly targeted for massive cuts in State aid despite the fact that they routinely share many cost-saving services with one another and enjoy per capita spending levels below the statewide average.

“At a time when people are being asked to pay more for just about everything, we are not only holding the line on a toll increase, but also expanding our outreach with economic development dollars,” Chairman Comegno said. “You could say we’re saving people money coming and going.”

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

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

• low-cost pooled capital finance plans
• a recently announced two-pronged Shared Service initiative aimed at (1) determining the actual dollar impact of the Governor’s planned cuts on the 26 towns expected to be affected and (2) providing these towns with the information they need to determine if that impact can be offset by the $32 million in shared services grant money
• regular meetings of the Shared Services Forum, a group of elected and appointed public officials who look for opportunities to share services and programs in order to create financial savings for taxpayers

The meeting featured a live demonstration of the “traveler system,” which will greatly improve the efficiency of inspections and maintenance on the Burlington-Bristol Bridge and save the Commission thousands of dollars. Attached to beams inside the Commission’s 18-foot high maintenance building, meeting attendees saw firsthand just how Bridge Commission maintenance staff and engineers will literally “hang from” the underside of our bridges to inspect and maintain the structures.

Among the benefits of using this traveler system:

• reduce need to close traffic lanes (no inconvenience to the motoring public)
• allow quicker access to underside of bridge
• reduce need to rent access equipment, like under-bridge cranes (called “snoopers”), and not subject to terms of its availability 
• save money—cost to rent traveler system for one month is what it cost to rent a snooper for one day

The traveler system consists of a platform that rolls, or “travels,” along the underside of the Burlington-Bristol Bridge, and a motorized system that moves vertically along the length of the bridge and spans the entire width of the bridge.

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 $13 million dollars.

Chairman Comegno reiterated, “In this ‘New Era, New Span’ at the Bridge Commission, we want everyone to know how meticulously our bridges are maintained and how safety is our number one priority.” He added, “That’s not just something we say—it’s our mission that is reflected in the actions we take and the projects we initiate.”

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 $13 million dollars.

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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 savings of approximately $13 million.

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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 savings of approximately $13 million.

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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 $13 million dollars. 

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First-Ever Smart Technology Brought by Drexel/Commission Partnership
The Bridge Commissioners announced that as part of the Commission’s 2008 Capital Improvement Plan, “smart technology” will be incorporated into the bearing replacement project scheduled for the Burlington-Bristol Bridge. The bearings, which will be superior to those used in the original bridge construction, will have “load cells” inside which transmit data to Commission engineers, allowing for real-time monitoring.  

Commission Urges Federal Agency to Approve Horn Relief Proposal 
The Commission also adopted a resolution supporting a New Jersey Transit application that would limit light rail horn blowing and ultimately improve the quality of life of residents in Palmyra and Riverton. New Jersey Transit applied for a waiver of certain Federal Railway Administration (FRA) regulations that will create a 1.1-mile “Bell Zone” for the RIVER LINE in Palmyra and Riverton.

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Palmyra—At its December 18th Commission meeting, Burlington County Bridge Commission Chairman John B. Comegno II announced that a modification to a 1998 agreement has been approved, effectively reducing the size of the dredge deposit site at Palmyra Cove Nature Park from 70 to 20 acres and restarting the 30-year term of the agreement.  

Back in August, NJ Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Lisa Jackson agreed to limit the disposal of dredge materials to an existing 20-acre cell in the 250-acre Nature Park, even though a 1998 agreement with the Tidelands Resource Council authorized the use of up to 70 acres for this purpose. On December 5th the Tidelands Resource Council unanimously approved the agreement modification.

“As I have stated in the past, our goal was to save the Nature Park. And we have,” Chairman Comegno said. “This is a win-win situation—the Cove can continue its mission as an outdoor classroom and we have an agreement protecting an additional 50 acres of the park.”  Comegno praised Commissioner Jackson for making that agreement a reality, saying “She promised and she delivered.” 

The agreement also restarts the term of the original agreement, which was signed in 1998. Rather than ending in 2028, the modified agreement will extend until 2038, once it is signed by Commissioner Jackson early next year. 

Clara Ruvolo, Palmyra Cove Nature Park Executive Director, is also pleased with the Tidelands decision: “Protecting 50 of the park’s 250 acres was first and foremost—and by re-extending the term of the original agreement, the life of the park has been extended as well.”  She added, “And we would be willing to work with the Commissioner in the future, in the development of a comprehensive and environmentally responsible plan for the disposal of dredge materials.”

The Burlington County Bridge Commission manages the Tacony-Palmyra and Burlington-Bristol Bridges, and manages Palmyra Cove Nature Park, which has hosted more than 11,000 students from 60 different schools to date. Approximately 3,000 students visit each year.

Aboard the U.S. Army Corp’s dredge ship McFarland, Captain Karl.A.VanFlorcke points out the location of dredging operations to (from left) Irene Kropp, Assistant Commissioner, NJ DEP; Clara Ruvolo, Palmyra Cove Nature Park Executive Director; Lisa P. Jackson, Commissioner, NJ DEP; and Suzanne Dietrich, Chief, NJ DEP Office of Dredging and Sediment Technology.
 
For more information, contact Liz Verna, APR, Director of Communications, (856) 829-1900, ext. 224, (856) 417-4088 (cell).

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Palmyra—At its November 27th reorganization meeting, the Burlington County Bridge Commissioners re-elected John B. Comegno II to serve a second one-year term as Chairperson, elected Priscilla B. Anderson to the position of Vice-Chairperson, and elected James E. Fletcher of Maple Shade, to the position of Treasurer.

“As I have said in the past, my goal has been to bring a new look and fresh perspective to the Bridge Commission. Given the Commission’s reforms in this new era of transparency and accountability, it makes good sense to work collectively in a non-partisan way to involve the Commissioners more closely in the Commission’s financial operations,” Chairman Comegno said. “And I appreciate that Commissioner Fletcher not only suggested that the treasurer position be distinct from the secretary position, but also stepped up to assume this important office.”

“I believe my experience in formulating and managing budgets and finances at the local level can be a great help to the Commission,” said Fletcher, who has served on the Maple Shade Township Council for seven years and has served as Mayor and Deputy Mayor as well. “I appreciate my colleagues’ vote of confidence in me to serve as Treasurer of the Commission.”

In other business, the Commission adopted its annual notice of meetings, indicating third Tuesdays of each month as Commission meeting dates. Evening meetings that began at Commissioner Fletcher’s suggestion will continue and will alternate with 12:30 and 6 PM start times.

Chairman Comegno commended his fellow Commissioners for 100% meeting attendance this past year and reminded all that this coming year, the Commission will hold some meetings at outside locations as part of the “Bridges to the People” program announced by the Commission at its September meeting. At that meeting, Comegno stated that, “I am going to make it my business to get the message out about the good we do and how those positive initiatives can benefit the taxpayers of Burlington County.”

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

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Palmyra—As part of the Burlington County Bridge Commission’s new public outreach program, Commissioners were at the Commission’s exhibitor’s booth at the New Jersey State League of Municipalities annual conference at the Atlantic City Conference Center this week. In keeping with the Commissioners’ desires to be accessible public servants, Chairman John B. Comegno II, Vice Chairwoman Priscilla B. Anderson, and Commissioner James E. Fletcher attended the conference to meet and better know their constituents.

The idea came at the suggestion of Commissioner Fletcher, the Commission’s lone Democrat, who has championed the Commission’s conducting evening meetings for increased public accessibility and now suggested this move, something not previously undertaken by Bridge Commissioners. “My fellow Commissioners and I didn’t just visit the conference—we spent time at the Bridge Commission’s exhibit booth meeting and talking with those we serve,” Commissioner Fletcher said. “We really did bring the bridges to the people,” he added.

The Commissioners’ presence at the New Jersey State League of Municipalities 92nd Annual Conference, which was first announced at the Commission’s October 16th meeting, was part of the new public information program aimed at educating the public and township officials about the Commission’s capabilities and successes—from safe bridges with proactive and technologically advanced maintenance programs, to the role of the Commission’s improvement authority, to the impact the Commission’s economic development efforts have had on Burlington County taxpayers.

The Bridge Commission had an exhibitor's booth at this year's New Jersey State League of Municipalities Conference. Providing information about the Bridge Commission were (from left) Priscilla B. Anderson, Commission Vice Chairwoman; Marie Ozalis, Bridge Commission; Clara Ruvolo, Executive Director, Palmyra Cove Nature Park; and John Jeffers, Acting Executive Director, Bridge Commission. 

Commission Chairman John B. Comegno II said that attendance at this conference is a continued attempt by the Commission to share information about its reforms and new era of transparency and accountability. “The appearance by me and my fellow Commissioners at this conference isn’t just for looks—-I’ve said before that we’ve taken a ‘fresh perspective’ at the Bridge Commission and this is an opportunity for our taxpayers, our tollpayers, and our elected officials to see that for themselves,” said Comegno.

The Bridge Commission’s exhibit featured information about the Commission, its Improvement Authority operations, and Palmyra Cove Nature Park, both on promotional slideshows and in printed educational materials.

Through its economic development and improvement authority powers the Burlington County Bridge Commission extends financing to local governments in the county, offering financing options including lease purchase and governmental loan financings designed to achieve a lower cost of capital money through economies of scale, lower interest rates, and/or lower cost of issuance. Those initiatives have resulted in a savings of approximately $13 million dollars.

Palmyra Cove Nature Park is a 250-acre nature preserve (maintained by the Commission) that serves as an outdoor environmental classroom for the 11,000 students who have visited to date. Located in a highly developed area on the Delaware River, PCNP is open to the public year-round, 7 days a week and has a 10,000 square-foot Environmental Discovery Center (featuring interactive exhibits), woodlands, and wetlands (including a tidal marsh, tidal creeks, a pond, a 1.25-mile wild river shoreline, and 8.5 miles of trails.)

The New Jersey State League of Municipalities, comprised of all 566 NJ municipalities, is a voluntary association created to help communities do a better job of self-government through pooling information resources and brain power. At the League’s 90th Annual Conference, delegates have the opportunity to learn and ask questions at more than 100 panels, clinics, workshops, and other sessions conducted by the League and the 18 associations of technical and professional employees allied with it. Commercial, government and association exhibits display the latest products and services for municipal government.

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

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Palmyra—At its October 16th meeting, the Burlington County Bridge Commission unveiled a new public information program aimed at educating the public and township officials about the Commission’s capabilities and successes—from safe bridges with proactive and technologically advanced maintenance programs, to the role of the Commission’s improvement authority, to the impact the Commission’s economic development efforts have had on Burlington County taxpayers.

As part of this program, Bridge Commissioners will canvas Burlington County by attending municipal meetings, using technology to enhance communications with local officials, and hosting “town hall” type meetings at the Commission headquarters.

Commission Chairman John B. Comegno II said that despite the efforts by the Commission to share information about its reforms and new era of transparency and accountability, “The Burlington County Bridge Commission remains misunderstood. It’s obvious to me after almost a year in my position that we need to do more to educate the community.” Comegno added, “I am going to make it my business to get the message out about the good we do and how those positive initiatives can benefit the taxpayers of Burlington County.”

Through its economic development and improvement authority powers the Burlington County Bridge Commission extends financing to local governments in the county, offering financing options including lease purchase and governmental loan financings designed to achieve a lower cost of capital money through economies of scale, lower interest rates, and/or lower cost of issuance. Those initiatives have resulted in a savings of approximately $13 million dollars.

As part of the Commission’s outreach program, Commissioners will attend the New Jersey State League of Municipalities* annual conference in Atlantic City, NJ, next month. In keeping with the Commissioners’ desires to be accessible public servants, Commissioners will take shifts behind the Bridge Commission’s exhibitor’s booth to afford an opportunity for conference attendees to meet and better know the Commissioners.

That idea came at the suggestion of James E. Fletcher, the Commission’s lone Democrat, who has championed the Commission’s conducting evening meetings for increased public accessibility. “My fellow Commissioners and I aren’t just visiting the conference—we’ll be at the Bridge Commission’s exhibit booth to meet and talk with those we serve,” Commissioner Fletcher said. “This is one more way for us to bring the bridges to the people,” he added.

In addition to attending public municipal meetings and holding meetings with elected township officials in the County, Commissioners have also ordered the creation of a first-ever Annual Report. Printed copies will be provided to all Freeholders and elected officials in Burlington County, and a copy will also be posted to the Commission’s website.

The Commissioners have also directed that the Commission’s ten-year-old website should be updated, not only in design, but navigation as well. Information never before available will be added, such as human resource listings and job applications, and the content will be arranged in a more user-friendly manner. One change visitors won’t be able to see is the ability that Commission staff will now have to make nearly all changes in-house, nearly eliminating the need for outside contractors to make content changes to the site.
Chairman Comegno reiterated, “I’ve said before that we’ve taken a ‘fresh perspective’ at the Bridge Commission. I won’t stop until our taxpayers, our tollpayers, and our elected officials see that for themselves.”

*The New Jersey State League of Municipalities, comprised of all 566 NJ municipalities, is a voluntary association created to help communities do a better job of self-government through pooling information resources and brain power. At the League’s 90th Annual Conference, delegates have the opportunity to learn and ask questions at more than 100 panels, clinics, workshops, and other sessions conducted by the League and the 18 associations of technical and professional employees allied with it. Commercial, government and association exhibits display the latest products and services for municipal government.

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

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Palmyra—Commission Chairman John B. Comegno II announced today that he forwarded a letter to the United States District Court asking that the sentencing judge order Robert Stears, former Commission spokesperson, to fully compensate the Bridge Commission for losses suffered as a result of Stears’ overbilling the Commission between 1997 and 2002 and to place a lien on any of Stears’ property or assets under federal law.

“Given Mr. Stears’ admissions during his plea hearing last year, there is no question that the Commission is entitled to full restitution from him. And the Court has full power and authority to order Mr. Stears to do just that,” stated Comegno.

In addition to the request to the court, Comegno highlighted the previous direction from all three Bridge Commissioners including James E. Fletcher and Priscilla B. Anderson that an evaluation and analysis be conducted of alternatives the Commission could pursue to recover monies lost as a result of Stears’ illegal activities.

“In addition to filing a formal demand with governmental authorities as early as March, 2007, requesting that Mr. Stears be ordered to fully reimburse the Commission, we also directed that claims be made with our own insurance companies for our losses and that a thorough analysis be conducted by special counsel Parker McCay to see if any companies or other individuals might be responsible to the Commission,” added Comegno.

“Based upon the analysis and recommendations of counsel and the Stears plea itself, there is no evidence to persuade us to pursue court actions against any other individuals or entities. Simply put, we won’t waste our toll payers’ dollars by filing a lawsuit that has no reasonable prospect of success,” said Comegno.

The Commission received an opinion from Parker McCay, special counsel retained to conduct the analysis, which states that since there is no evidence to suggest that either the corporation (the Strategy Group) or its shareholders/partners other than Stears were involved in the fraud, and that the Strategy Group maintained no insurance to cover Stears’ illegal activities, that seeking full restitution from Stears provides the only realistic possibility of recovery for the Commission. The Parker McCay analysis also noted that the authorities have not taken action against the Strategy Group or any of its other owners or employees.

Parker McCay also concluded that while the Commission appears to be well-insured for liability issues and matters appropriate for a public authority, insurance carriers do not provide coverage for criminal acts by third parties.

Comegno noted that the Commission has also implemented recommendations recently made by Milligan and Co., a management consulting firm hired at the request of the Burlington County Board of Chosen Freeholders, that the Commission put policies and procedures in place for greater oversight over vendors’ billing and performance.

“Make no mistake about it. We won’t rest until all checks and balances and internal controls are put in place to make sure this doesn’t happen again,” concluded Comegno.

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

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Palmyra—Ribbon-cutting and groundbreaking ceremonies were held Friday, October 12 and Monday, October 15, to officially dedicate two Burlington County Bridge Commission projects in the communities that host the Commission’s Tacony-Palmyra and Burlington-Bristol Bridges. The Gateway Project in Burlington City and Streetscaping in Palmyra are both part of the Commission’s Economic Development efforts, which benefit towns in Burlington County and ultimately result in taxpayer savings.

On Friday, October 12, the groundbreaking officially opened the Gateway Project in Burlington City. Gathered at the entrance circle to the Burlington-Bristol Bridge, with the bridge as the backdrop, were Bridge Commission Chairman John B. Comegno II; Burlington City Mayor Darlene A. Scocca; Burlington City Council President Joseph Van Loan; and Burlington City Council Members Edward Canivan, Helen Hatala, and Marie Lollar.

“The Commission is very excited to be partnering with Burlington City,” said Chairman Comegno. “We really value our relationship with Burlington City—this project highlights how productive that partnership is.”

The Gateway Project will include such improvements as concrete pavers, traffic islands, block walls, lighting, and landscaping. It will also widen the turning area of Veterans Drive, to allow proper clearance for tractor-trailers that use this roadway.

Commissioner James E. Fletcher said, “This project shows how mindful the Bridge Commission and Burlington City are of welcoming our tollpayers not only to Burlington City but to the State of New Jersey as well.”

On Monday, October 15, a ribbon-cutting ceremony took place in Palmyra at the corner of Broad Street and Legion Road to celebrate the Streetscaping Project there. On hand were Palmyra Mayor John Gural along with representatives from the Neighborhood Preservation Program, including Rita Jackson, NPP Coordinator; and NPP Advisory Committee members Jeane Butler and Mary Holloway. Palmyra Council member Theodore Scott and Fran Scott, his wife, also attended, as did Palmyra Administrator Marriane Hulme; Stan Ozalis, Palmyra School Board member; and residents Sharon Peters and Harriet Nickens.

The Streetscaping Project encompasses Broad Street from Market Street to Route 73, finishing the improvement work that Palmyra Borough had completed further down Broad Street. The cost of the project was completely covered by the Bridge Commission, as part of its economic development efforts in the community that is home to its Tacony-Palmyra Bridge. Planning began in late 2006 and the project actually began this past August.

The project will include sidewalks, brick pavers, period lighting (to match the existing lighting), and landscaping. Currently, the project is stalled, awaiting approval from PSE&G relative to electrical needs for lighting.

The Burlington County Bridge Commission manages several Burlington County bridges, including the Tacony-Palmyra and Burlington-Bristol Bridges, and through its economic development and improvement authority powers, extends financing options to local governments and nonprofits in Burlington County. These initiatives have resulted in a savings of more than $13 million in taxpayer dollars.

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

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Palmyra—-The Burlington County Bridge Commission announced today that maintenance dredging operations that began on August 20, and included deposits of dredge materials into Palmyra Cove Nature Park, have been completed by the United States Army Corp of Engineers. The Commission also announced that NJ Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Lisa Jackson has indicated that she is in favor of a new agreement with the Burlington County Bridge Commission that would reduce the area for any future dredge deposits from 70 acres to 20 acres.

Of the dredging operations, Commission Chairman John B. Comegno II said, “This was truly a cooperative effort with a great deal of respect shown by the parties involved—not just in how the agreement was forged, but how the whole project was handled, start to finish. The Department of Environmental Protection, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and Burlington County Bridge Commission all deserve to be complimented for their work, but especially for their work together. This is another example of how governmental agencies can work together to achieve a common goal.”

Clara Ruvolo, Palmyra Cove Nature Park Executive Director, added, “The Army Corps of Engineers lived up to its promise to preserve Dragonfly Pond, and accomplished a difficult job with as little disruption to the park as possible. I appreciate the effort by everyone involved to maintain this outdoor classroom which is prized by so many.”

In August, Commissioner Jackson agreed to limit the disposal of dredge materials to an existing 20-acre cell in the Cove, even though a 1998 agreement with the Tidelands Resource Council authorized the use of up to 70 acres for this purpose. Commissioner Jackson and representatives of the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers held a meeting at the Commission’s headquarters in mid-August to explain the maintenance dredging project and stressed that it was an emergency maintenance dredging project and was totally unrelated to what is commonly known as “channel deepening.” The Bridge Commission will be working with the Department of Environmental Protection on finalizing the agreement, which will then go to the Tidelands Resource Council for formal approval.

Comegno added, “As I stated at the last Commission meeting, our goal was to save the Nature Park. And we have.”

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

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Palmyra---Burlington County Bridge Commissioners John B. Comegno II, Priscilla B. Anderson, and James E. Fletcher announced that the independent management and contract review requested by the Board of Chosen Freeholders is complete and that all of the recommendations provided by Milligan & Company, LLC, the Philadelphia firm conducting the study, already have or will be implemented by the Commission immediately.

“In direct response to the Freeholders’ request for a management assessment and review, we not only acquired the services of an independent consulting and accounting firm, but we also took the next important step—-recommendations from that report have either already been implemented or soon will be,” said Chairman Comegno. “I have submitted the report to the Freeholders and have advised them that Commissioners Anderson, Fletcher, and I are united in our commitment to ensure that the appropriate controls, checks and balances, and procedures are in place at the Commission.”

The Milligan study included a review of the Commission’s current management structure, resolutions, and checks and balances primarily relating to the Commission’s contracting processes and contracts. The process that led to the awarding of the contract to Milligan began with the issuance and advertising of a “Request for Qualifications” from prospective firms, which was followed by a “Request for Proposals” from qualified firms. Two firms were interviewed by the Commission Chairman and other staff. Milligan & Co. was awarded the contract at the Commission’s April meeting and provided the recommendations to the Commission within the expected timeframe and under-budget.

The Commission has already enacted Milligan recommendations which include:

• A reporting and monitoring process for contractors to report on progress of various contracts.
• The inclusion of all procurement documents within a contractors’ file so that their performance can be easily tracked and monitored.
• Preparation of written evaluation criteria for all vendor proposals and bids received.
• Verification of timely receipt of vendor proposals and bids (i.e., all proposals to be stamped when received).
• Review and sign-off of vendor invoices by user departments and/or individuals.
• Consistent indication (as “paid”) on all invoices and related supporting documentation after payment is made.

The Commission also identified recommendations which are in the works and will be implemented as soon as possible:

• Development of a formal procurement manual to govern the award of contracts.
• New contractor change order processes to include written procedures about pre-approval and other work authorizations.
• Establishing estimates for services needed before bidding and keeping those estimates in the contract files.

Fletcher, the Commission’s lone Democrat, who has championed the Commission’s conducting evening meetings for increased public accessibility, added, “The reforms we’ve put in place are part of our efforts to make the Commission a model agency of transparency and accountability.” Referring to the program initiated a few months ago called “A New Era, A New Span,” Commissioner Fletcher said, “These reforms demonstrate our bi-partisan commitment to ensuring the public’s confidence in the Commission’s activities while we continue to provide the cost-effective services our citizens deserve and pay for.”

The reforms Fletcher refers to include mandatory ethics and conflicts training, distribution of a new Code of Ethics and Conduct, continued evening Commission meetings, expanded Commission web-site with more information for the public, continued awarding of all contracts through open and competitive procurement methods, and public advertisement for job openings which are all approved in public meetings.

“When it comes to ethics and accountability, there simply is no compromise,” concluded Chairman Comegno.

The Burlington County Bridge Commission owns, operates, and maintains the Tacony-Palmyra and Burlington-Bristol Bridges, and through its economic development and improvement authority powers, extends pooled financing options to local governments and nonprofits in Burlington County. These initiatives have resulted in a savings of approximately $13 million dollars.

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

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Palmyra—Pennoni Associates, Inc., the resident engineers for the Burlington County Bridge Commission, provided the results of their preliminary findings from the in-depth inspections done on the Tacony-Palmyra and Burlington Bristol Bridges over the past few weeks and have confirmed results from inspections completed earlier this year that the bridges are safe for the motoring public.

“As I have said in the past, these bridges are extremely well-maintained by the Commission. The public can be assured that they are safe,” said Pennoni Vice President David Lowdermilk, who noted that the field inspections on the spans are more than 90 per cent complete and that nothing out of the ordinary has been found. “It is also noteworthy that the Tacony-Palmyra Bridge also received an unequivocal “not deficient” rating from the NJDOT when data from in-depth inspections conducted in June, 2006 was entered into their system.”

Commission Chairman John B. Comegno II said, “I have a new appreciation for the ‘bearing replacement project’ that was completed this past December on the Tacony-Palmyra Bridge as well as the detailed and diligent work that goes into inspecting, maintaining and repairing our bridges.” At the meeting, Pennoni’s Lowdermilk explained that the bearing replacement project upgraded the Tacony Bridge’s superstructure rating from a ‘4’ to a ‘5’ which ultimately resulted in the ‘not deficient’ rating.”

The preliminary report provided to the Commissioners was in response to their ordering, in the wake of the Minnesota tragedy, fast-tracked inspections which would normally have been conducted next June. The presentation by the Commission’s engineers included actual close-up photos of inspectors on the bridges’ spans over the past few weeks and included shots of the high-tech inspection methods the Commission uses.

“As a contractor’s representative myself, I appreciate the in-depth and hands-on approach taken by the professionals at Pennoni to make sure our bridges get the attention they need. These guys actually use dental mirrors to help them view areas not able to be seen easily. That’s very impressive, considering they’re inspecting a structure that’s over a half-mile long and sits nearly 60 feet above the river,” added Commissioner James E. Fletcher of Maple Shade.

Drexel University experts were also on hand to expand on the recently announced partnership between the school and Pennoni Associates by referencing three-dimensional images representative of the state-of-the-art monitoring and modeling Drexel plans to use to take Commission bridges into the future. Among those are techniques that Drexel has already implemented in its work on the Brooklyn Bridge.

Lowdermilk concluded, “There’s been much talk about sufficiency ratings. And while we’ve said that those ratings serve as a guideline as to what repairs may be necessary, what we’re showing you today is more important than those numbers—we are showing exactly what work has been and continues to be done to continually inspect and improve these historically significant structures.”

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

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Palmyra—-In the wake of the Minnesota disaster, Burlington County Bridge Commissioners John B. Comegno II, Priscilla B. Anderson, and James E. Fletcher announced today that beginning this week, the Commission’s engineers will undertake in-depth inspections on the Tacony-Palmyra and Burlington-Bristol Bridges. The Commission also announced that its lead bridge engineer, Pennoni Associates, will partner with Drexel University to work with them to explore, recommend, and implement any new technologies for monitoring and testing that could further enhance an already rigorous monitoring, inspection, and repair program.

“Even though our bridges both underwent regular inspections this past May, we are fast-tracking the in-depth structural inspections that were originally scheduled for next year and performing them immediately instead. We’ll do whatever it takes to ensure that our bridges are safe,” said Commission Chairman Comegno. “And we couldn’t be more pleased to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with researchers from Drexel University, one of the premier engineering schools in the country.”

About the partnership between the Commission’s engineers and Drexel University, Drexel Dean of Engineering Selcuk Guceri added, “We’re thrilled to work with the engineers from Pennoni Associates and the Bridge Commission to help them explore and implement new and innovative inspection, monitoring, maintenance, and repair programs and processes. We’ll support them in any way possible, and we applaud the Commission for its quick action.”

“We believe that any work done here may have a broad impact across the country,” added Guceri.

The hands-on, in-depth inspections, which are scheduled to begin on Thursday, include “non-destructive” testing, which looks at fault-critical connections, the parts of the bridge that take on the most stress. While this testing always included high-tech methods like ultrasound, x-rays, and dive penetration for bridge inspections, the partnership with Drexel University will bring even more innovative and high-tech methodology to the monitoring, inspection, and evaluation processes.

“The Commission already has a more aggressive schedule of bridge inspections than most agencies,” added Commissioner James Fletcher. “This latest initiative does even more to ensure the safety of the users of our bridges” Fletcher noted that all Commission bridges undergo engineering inspections annually—above and beyond the Federal Highway Administration and NJ DOT requirements which require inspections only every two years.

Inspection of the Burlington-Bristol Bridge will begin Thursday, August 9, and is scheduled to be completed during off-peak commuter hours. Inspection of the Tacony-Palmyra Bridge is expected to take place next week and is currently slated to be completed during evening hours with little or no affect on bridge traffic. Bridge officials also noted that in reviewing the “ratings” of bridges which have been widely reported on, the Tacony-Palmyra Bridge was given a “Not Deficient” classification.

“The classifications widely talked about since the Minnesota disaster are somewhat misleading,” said Pennoni vice president David Lowdermilk. “Just because a bridge is classified as structurally deficient does not mean it is unsafe for the motoring public. The bottom line is it’s all about maintenance---and I can unequivocally say that the Commission’s bridges are well maintained.”

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

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Palmyra—In the wake of the Minnesota disaster, Burlington County Bridge Commissioners John B. Comegno II, Priscilla B. Anderson, and James E. Fletcher issued the following statement today: “Our bridges are safe and our inspection, repair, and maintenance programs are second to none.”

“The Commission’s first priority is to provide for the safety of the users of its bridges. All eight Commission bridges undergo engineering inspections annually--above and beyond the Federal Highway Administration and NJ DOT requirements which require inspections only every two years,” said Chairman Comegno.

Those inspections are the first critical step in the Commission’s aggressive maintenance and repair program, which has resulted in tens of millions of dollars in necessary bridge repairs being made to date. Among the projects completed over the past few years:

+ bearing replacement project at the Tacony-Palmyra Bridge
+ replacement of steel track plates on the bascule span (part of the bridge that opens for boat traffic) of the Tacony-Palmyra Bridge
+ replacement of submarine termination cable boxes on the bascule span of the Tacony-Palmyra Bridge (keeps span opening properly)

Upcoming projects, which are part of the Commission’s aggressive preventive maintenance program, include:

+ replacement of decking on the bascule span of the Tacony-Palmyra Bridge
+ replacement of the remaining bearings on Burlington-Bristol Bridge
+ replacement of bearings on Riverside-Delanco Bridge

“In fact, this year alone, the Commission has budgeted over $20 million for capital improvements to its bridges,” said Commissioner James E. Fletcher of Maple Shade. “Nothing is more important to us than maintaining safe bridges for the people who use them,” he added.

David Lowdermilk, P.E., vice president of Pennoni Associates, the firm that conducts annual inspections for the Burlington County Bridge Commission, said “It all comes down to how you maintain the structure. Of all the agencies we work for, the Bridge Commission is one of the most dedicated and diligent in maintaining its bridges.”

What sets the Commission bridges apart is the programs it has in place to detect needed repairs and implement those repairs as quickly as possible. Among those are:

+ daily presence of a licensed/credentialed resident structural engineer (who has been on site in a full-time capacity for 19 years) unlike most other bridges which only have engineers present for their biannual inspections
+ the engineers who perform the inspections are intimately familiar with our bridges because of their long-term presence on the site
+ annual inspections, which exceed biannual FHA and NJ DOT requirements
+ on-site construction contractor to perform immediate repairs as soon as detected
+ aggressive process to track maintenance needs from identification to completion
+ yearly above-water inspections performed by an independent, multi-discipline team of structural, mechanical, and electrical engineers
+ underwater inspections performed by licensed professional engineers (underwater divers) certified to perform underwater inspections

Lowdermilk added, “Since the bridge collapse in Minnesota, there’s been much talk about sufficiency ratings. It should be made clear that these ratings serve as a guideline as to what repairs may be necessary—they do not indicate that a bridge is structurally unsound for the motoring public. The bottom line—the Commission bridges are safe.”

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

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Palmyra—Chairman John B. Comegno II, Vice Chairwoman Priscilla B. Anderson, and Commissioner James E. Fletcher are pleased to announce that the Burlington County Bridge Commission’s 2007-2008 fiscal year budget features no toll increase while still maintaining its priority of maintaining, operating, and improving its bridges, facilities, and services.

Chairman Comegno stated, “Our staff has worked very hard to provide the Commission with an essentially flat budget while still providing the same high level of service to the toll-paying public who use our bridges thousands of times per day.”

The $23.7 million operating budget calls for an increase of less than 2% over last year’s budget, and still provides for all of the essential inspections and maintenance on the Commission’s bridges and facilities, vastly exceeding both Federal and State requirements. Because of the Commission’s programs, any necessary repairs are systematically designed, planned and executed.

Commissioner James E. Fletcher also announced the Commission’s new financing program being offered to government entities including school districts. Under the new program called the “Burlington Bank,” which has been endorsed by the Burlington County Board of Chosen Freeholders, the Commission will be able to quickly review and process low-interest loans for governmental entities wishing to finance the acquisition of equipment like computers, vehicles, and books.

“We’re extremely excited about this new initiative,” said Fletcher. “Along with our pooled lending and loan programs, this innovative program will allow us to continue to provide valuable financial and economic development assistance to the citizens of our County.”

Since the Commission obtained economic development and improvement authority powers in 2002, it has provided $340,000,000 in total financing for 23 municipalities, the County, fire districts, and 2 non-profits. These pooled financings resulted in lower interest rates and lower loan costs for 48 public sector participants (some have participated more than once) which has saved taxpayers approximately $13,000,000.

In recognition of his first six months in office, Chairman Comegno also reported on the many positive initiatives undertaken by the Burlington County Bridge Commission, including:

+ retaining the services of Community Grants and Planning which obtained $569,000 in grant monies for economic development, planning, and redevelopment projects in Riverside, Riverton, Palmyra, and North Hanover.
+ working with the Freeholders and the Borough of Palmyra to relocate the Fort Washington Expo Center to the south side of Rte. 73, a project which may completely revitalize the former drive-in site on Rte. 73 near the Tacony-Palmyra Bridge and generate up to $150,000,000 annually in economic development activity for the Route 130 River Route region.
+ continuing to assist municipalities on community development and revitalization projects including:
o Palmyra (streetscape project)
o New Hanover (assistance in development of master plan)
o Beverly (development of land use planning and marketing of housing rehabilitation program)
o Burlington City (“Gateway” project and roadwork infrastructure)
+ hosting 23 Shared Services Forums with 733 attendees representing 39 municipalities from Burlington County, 4 municipalities outside of the County, 2 other South Jersey counties, 23 boards of education, and 5 fire districts.
+ developing and providing (at no cost to our municipalities) storm water management plans to help relieve the monumental financial burdens imposed upon municipalities by State requirements
+ in partnership with the Freeholders and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, initiating a program to provide assistance on the problem of debris which has clogged the Rancocas Creek and has been identified as one cause of the flooding that has devastated those towns.
+ hosted more than 11,000 students from 60 different schools at Palmyra Cove Nature Park.
+ opening a new access road along Route 73 to provide safer and easier access to the Nature Park; this was another collaborative effort with the Freeholders.

The Burlington County Bridge Commission owns, operates, and maintains the Tacony-Palmyra and Burlington-Bristol Bridges, and through its economic development and improvement authority powers, extends pooled financing options to local governments and nonprofits in Burlington County. These initiatives have resulted in a savings of approximately $13 million dollars.

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Mount Holly—The Burlington County Bridge Commission will update the Burlington County Board of Chosen Freeholders tonight on the progress of its pooled lease and pooled loan financing programs and will also propose a new financing program sponsored by the County and the Commission called the Burlington County Lease Bank (“Burlington Bank”).

The new initiative is designed to provide financial assistance to government entities—including, for the first time, school districts—that have financial needs for equipment and other capital items like computers and furniture. Typically, these acquisitions carry total costs under $1 million, which has been the general minimum threshold for participation in regular aggregate bond transactions.

However, like the pooled lending programs currently offered through the Commission with the County’s guaranty, the latest program offered by the County and the Commission will result in significant savings to the taxpayers of Burlington County.

“This new program fits the bill for government entities with relatively small capital projects for which the Commission’s pooled lease program may not be a cost-effective option,” said Commissioner James E. Fletcher. “But it is especially a boon for school districts that have expressed strong interest in the Commission’s pooled lease program but have been unable to participate because of the structure of those transactions. We’re pleased to announce that if all goes as planned, schools will be able to use the program to purchase books and other equipment for this coming school year.”

Under the program, the Commission will solicit proposals from banks to serve as principal lender for Burlington Bank. The Commission plans to establish the Burlington Bank with an initial annual amount of $20 million. Funds will then be made available, through the Commission, to government entities to finance the lease purchase of equipment.

The Commission and the County will pre-screen applicants wishing to participate in the program and once approved, will receive and quickly process applications to provide funding for equipment within weeks, all at a lower interest rate.

Freeholder Director James K. Wujcik said of the program after receiving initial briefing materials from the Commission, “The Burlington Bank initiative is another program that demonstrates the County’s and Commission’s ongoing commitment to establishing streamlined and cost-effective shared services. And the fact that school districts and our county’s taxpayers will benefit from this new program makes it even more attractive. The bottom line is that the Commission and the County, as a team, are continuing to provide the taxpayers with valuable services while at the same time saving them money.”

If the program receives Freeholder Board endorsement, other steps would be needed to finalize the process and authorize the County’s guaranty. Assuming all approvals are received, the Commission could begin processing applications in September, 2007.

The Burlington County Bridge Commission manages several Burlington County bridges, including the Tacony-Palmyra and Burlington-Bristol Bridges and, through its economic development and improvement authority powers, have provided local governments and nonprofits with financing options available through pooled financing programs.

Since 2002, the Commission has issued over $317 Million of bonds for the pooled lease program. By using the credit strength of Burlington County, the Commission’s programs have resulted in overall savings of approximately $13 Million. To date, there have been 48 governmental participants in the program, representing 23 government entities (some entities have participated more than once). Most recently, the Commission issued bonds on behalf of Willingboro and the County of Burlington which alone resulted in a savings of over $1,000,000.

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

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Palmyra—Burlington County Bridge Commission Chairman John B. Comegno II announced yesterday that the Commission is continuing to implement a reform campaign he called “A New Era, A New Span.” Comegno’s announcement at the June 18th’s Commission meeting followed a letter he sent to the Burlington County Board of Chosen Freeholders late last week summarizing the activities of the Commission during his first five months in office outlining the many positive initiatives which have benefited the taxpayers of Burlington County and the toll payers who use the Commission’s bridges and facilities.

“The reforms we’ve put in place over the past few months are just the beginning of our collaborative efforts with the Freeholders to make the Commission a model agency of transparency and accountability,” said Comegno. “I’m also proud to say that we really have taken a ‘fresh perspective’—not just change for the sake of changing, but reforming our approach, our perspective, and our operations where reforms are needed.”

As part of the reform plan, Comegno highlighted ongoing programs and initiatives including:

• The independent management study being undertaken at the request of the Freeholders which will recommend checks and balances to ensure that vendors/contractors are satisfying their obligations to the Commission;
• Mandatory ethics and conflicts training for all employees and Commissioners once per year as well as mandatory ethics training for all new employees during orientation;
• Formulation and distribution of a new Commission Code of Ethics and Conduct to be signed by all Commissioners and employees and posted on the Commission’s website;
• At the request of Commissioner Fletcher, continued evening Commission meetings;
• Expansion of the Commission website to include contract bidding notices, job openings, meeting schedules, and other important public notices and information;
• Change in Commission By-Laws and policies specifically requiring Commissioners to ensure that the Commission operates in an efficient, transparent, accountable, and ethical manner;
• Continuation of open and competitive procurement policies and contract awards consistent with governing law (i.e., “pay-to-play”) and the implementation of checks and balances that may result from the management study requested by the Freeholders and currently being undertaken by Milligan & Co.;
• Requirement that all non-union job openings be available to the public and approved by the Commission during open public meetings;
• Strict adherence to the Commission’s anti-nepotism policy adopted in 2004 at the request of the Freeholders.

Comegno’s six-page letter to the Freeholder Director James Wujcik also detailed numerous positive accomplishments of the Commission over the past five months including those involving the Commission’s economic development and improvement authority initiatives, shared services forums, environmental initiatives and the Palmyra Cove Nature Park, management and operations, and ongoing programs to ensure transparency and accountability.

The Bridge Commission’s lone Democrat, James E. Fletcher, added, “The Commission has accomplished much in the areas of economic development, shared services, and saving our taxpayers’ money through financing options that the Commission offers. The reforms we’re announcing today will go a long way toward restoring the public’s confidence in the Commission.”

“As I said when I was sworn in early this year, I am committed to taking a fresh look at the way the Commission does business. The reforms announced today are just the beginning. Stay tuned,” concluded Comegno.

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

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Delran—This month’s meeting of the Burlington County Shared Services Forum, hosted by the Burlington County Bridge Commission, drew more than 65 attendees who came to hear speakers talk about Ethics and ‘Pay to Play’ Laws as well as the county’s employment training program. The Shared Services Forum is a group of elected and appointed public officials who look for opportunities to share services and programs in order to create financial savings for taxpayers. As Gary LaVenia, Shared Services Coordinator, puts it, “Shared Services brings property tax relief.”

Bridge Commission Chairman John B. Comegno II said, “This is yet another example of how the Bridge Commission works with sister governmental agencies to save the taxpayers' money and provide cost-effective services.”

William Kearns, Esq., general counsel to the League of Municipalities and principal in the firm Kearns, Vasallo, and Kearns from Willingboro, provided an intensive “Review of NJ Ethics and Pay to Play Laws” while a presentation on Burlington County’s Management/ Employment Training Program was offered by Dan Hornickel, Director of Human Resources for the County of Burlington, and Lewis Nagey, Director of Business Employment for Burlington County College. The meeting was held at the township’s municipal building.

County and municipal officials as well as fire district and school officials all gathered at the Delran Township Municipal Building, joined by Shared Services Coordinators for Camden and Atlantic Counties. Kevin McClernon, Township Administrator for Burlington Township, said “You can never be current with ethics—it’s always good to be refreshed on this topic,” adding that the day’s session did just that. “I was very impressed with the college program as well,” McClernon added.

Although Shared Services has been receiving increased attention recently and the concept is growing in the state of New Jersey, it is not a new concept or even new practice. For the past twenty years the Burlington County Board of Chosen Freeholders has proactively developed and offered opportunities to public entities in Burlington County to use the economies of scale to create efficiencies and real cost savings. Some examples of services that can be shared include recreation facilities, animal control, police vehicle maintenance, snow removal, and recycling.

The Burlington County Bridge Commission hosts these bimonthly meetings. Programs are topical and participants can even earn continuing education credits for attendance. The next Shared Services Forum is scheduled for the evening of June 26th (exact time and location to be determined). On the agenda is to start a discussion around the idea of shared services in fire and emergency medical services districts. Speakers are being finalized now; organizers are working closely with fire organization officials to ensure that there are speakers on all sides of the issue.

The Burlington County Bridge Commission manages several Burlington County bridges, including the Tacony-Palmyra and Burlington-Bristol Bridges and through its economic development and improvement authority powers has saved Burlington County taxpayers $13 million of dollars by providing local governments and nonprofits with financing options only available through pooled lending.

*Townships Represented:
Beverly
Bordentown
Burlington City
Burlington Township
Chesterfield
Delanco
Delran
Edgewater Park
Evesham Township
Fieldsboro
Mansfield
Medford Lakes
Mt. Laurel
Palmyra
Riverside
Riverton
Shamong
Southampton
Tabernacle
Washington Township
Willingboro
Woodland Township
(Also, Burlington County and Burlington County College)

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

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Burlington—War veterans from the American Legion Post #79 and/or VFW Post #1817 will be joined by Burlington County Clerk Philip E. Haines, Burlington City Mayor Darlene A. Scocca, Burlington City Council President Joseph Van Loan and Councilwoman Marie Lollar for a dedication ceremony of three new flagpoles installed behind the army tank at Commerce Square. The ceremony will take place at 10:00 AM on Thursday, May 24.

Installation of the one 25-foot and two 20-foot flagpoles was completed by the Burlington County Bridge Commission and Burlington City. This improvement is the first in a series of positive changes that will develop a picturesque gateway into Southern New Jersey, which will blend nicely with the historical character of Burlington City.

Burlington County Clerk Philip E. Haines, who will open the ceremony, said, "This display stands as a wonderful tribute to veterans as we head into the Memorial Day weekend. And the improvement itself is the first step in the collaborative plan among the Bridge Commission, the County, and Burlington City to improve the one-mile area at the approach of the Burlington-Bristol Bridge. The 'Gateway Project' will not only beautify this area for commuters and area residents, but also enhance safety for travelers."

Burlington County Bridge Commission Chairman John B. Comegno II, added, “This is yet another example of how government entities can cooperate with one another for the benefit of the public.”

The Burlington County Bridge Commission manages the Tacony-Palmyra and Burlington-Bristol Bridges, and through its economic development and improvement authority powers extends pooled financing options to local governments and nonprofits in Burlington County. These initiatives have resulted in a savings of more than $13 million dollars in taxpayers’ money.

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

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Palmyra—On Tuesday, May 15, 2007 at 10:00 AM, Burlington County Bridge Commission Chairman John B. Comegno II, formally opened the Commission’s new access road to the Palmyra Cove Nature Park. New Jersey State Senator Diane B. Allen and Burlington County Freeholder Aubrey A. Fenton also attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony, which featured first graders from Cinnaminson’s New Albany Elementary School taking the maiden voyage on the new “Park Drive.”

“ ‘Park Drive’ will offer a safe and more convenient route for the 6,000 students and other visitors who come to Palmyra Cove Nature Park each year,” said John B. Comegno II. “We’re proud to be an integral part of the Burlington County community by providing the public with enhanced access to a 300-acre nature preserve along the Delaware River.”

“From the beginning, Palmyra Cove has fit nicely into the County’s overall plan to make park development a key component of our Route 130 River Route program,” said Freeholder Aubrey Fenton. “This new access can only enhance the park, and make it more user-friendly to families and school children who visit on a regular basis.”

Clara Ruvolo, the park’s Executive Director, shares the Chairman’s enthusiasm: “This new access road will make it easier for visitors to get to this ‘best-kept secret’—a park in their own backyard, a habitat for hundreds of species including some that are endangered and threatened.”

Senator Allen expanded on Ms. Ruvolo’s statement, referring to the Cove as “South Jersey’s largest outdoor science classroom.” But she also spoke of a pall hanging over the opening “because the Federal government is considering placing dredge materials on some 70 acres.” She added, “Not only will important habitat be lost, but we will diminish the capacity for environmental education at the Cove.”

The senator refers to the recent actions of the US Army Corps of Engineers, which is attempting to expand the disposal site—regardless of the lack of federal funds budgeted for maintenance dredging. Allen also urged everyone to contact their elected officials “and tell them how important it is to act now to protect the established habitat at the Palmyra Cove.” (See attached release for background information.)

The one-mile asphalt road was designed to complement the natural surroundings of the Cove (for example, guardrails made of wood instead of metal) and created with Cove visitors in mind (allowing ample turning space for school buses.) Intended for use by visitors entering and exiting the Cove, the road begins just off the entrance to the Tacony-Palmyra Flea Market on Rte. 73 Southbound and ends at the Cove’s original parking lot. (Upon entrance, flea market traffic continues straight, while Cove visitors will turn right.)

What was previously the only entrance to the Cove will remain open to vehicular traffic. Prior to the creation of the new access road, Cove visitors entered via Temple Boulevard, making a right into the Toll Building parking lot (just before the Toll Plaza), traveling through the parking lot behind the Toll Building to the narrow local access road, and going under the bridge. Likewise, the previously used exit onto Rte. 73 will also continue to be available for vehicular traffic.

The Burlington County Bridge Commission manages several Burlington County bridges, including the Tacony-Palmyra and Burlington-Bristol Bridges, and through its economic development and improvement authority powers, extends financing options to local governments and nonprofits in Burlington County. These initiatives have resulted in a savings of more than $13 million in taxpayer dollars.

For information, contact: Liz Verna, APR, Director of Communications, (856) 829-1900, ext. 224; cell (609) 230-1444.

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Palmyra—Despite objections from Federal and State Officials, the US Army Corps of Engineers is planning a stealth operation to expand the dredge disposal site, an act that will destroy the natural habitat at Palmyra Cove Nature Park. Although the park is a designated site for receipt of dredge material from a viable maintenance project of the US Army Corps of Engineers, there are no federal funds budgeted for maintenance dredging. In addition, environmental issues detailed in letters to the Corps of Engineers from the US Fish & Wildlife Services in 2003 and the NJ Department of Environmental Protection in 2004 have yet to be addressed.

“We have received no notice from the Corps as to its plan,” said John B. Comegno II, Chairman of the Burlington County Bridge Commission, which manages the property on which the Nature Park sits. He added, “We look forward to a full and open dialogue with the Army Corps. Until then, however, we have no alternative but to take action to oppose this initiative as an unnecessary attack on an environmental resource which is home to important habitat and visited by more than 3,000 schoolchildren and naturalists annually.” Chairman Comegno added that even NJ elected officials have not received notice. The Bridge Commission has corresponded with federal, state, and local elected officials in an effort to garner support.

While a stated goal* of the Delaware River Main Channel Deepening Project is to “ensure that construction of the project does not impact the natural resources of the region,” that is exactly what will happen at Palmyra Cove Nature Park if the Army Corps proceeds with its plans to dramatically expand the disposal site for maintenance dredging that is not funded and cannot therefore take place.

Palmyra Cove Nature Park Executive Director, Clara Ruvolo, stated, “We recognize the need for maintenance dredging, but what is the need to clear cut 70 acres to expand the dredge material site on property that has become home to the Palmyra Cove Nature Park—especially when the Corps lacks the funds for this project?”

In its September 4, 2003 letter, the US Fish and Wildlife Service referenced a July 31, 2003 letter that “stated the Service’s concerns for potential adverse impacts to federally listed species, migratory birds, and anadromous fish associated with exposure to environmental contaminants and habitat loss associated with disposal alternatives. These concerns remain pertinent.” [emphasis added] Further, the letter stated that the data “are insufficient to thoroughly characterize the risk associated with dredging the proposed project area…” None of these objections has been addressed, just as none of the conditions required for regulatory approval for this project by the NJ DEP has been met.

*Source: “Overview of the Delaware River Main Channel Deepening Project,” http://www.nap.usace.army.mil/cenap-pl/drmcdp/overview.html 

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Palmyra—At its April 19th meeting, the Burlington County Bridge Commission announced that it has awarded a contract to Milligan & Company, LLC, Consultants and Certified Public Accountants, based in Philadelphia, to perform a comprehensive management assessment and review.

Throughout the procurement process, Milligan & Company demonstrated that its project team is qualified and prepared to conduct a thorough review of the Commission’s current management structure, its resolutions and contracts, and performance oversight and accountability procedures. The project team proposed by Milligan is comprised of management consultants as well as CPAs. Milligan & Company also indicated its commitment to the Commission’s 90-day turnaround for the project.

“In direct response to the Freeholders’ request for a thorough management assessment and review, we are acquiring the services of an independent consulting and accounting firm to assist us as we take a fresh look at the way the Commission does business,” said Commission Chairman John B. Comegno II. “I personally reviewed all of the proposals and participated in the interview process and am pleased to recommend that the Commission retain the Milligan team for this project.”

The Bridge Commission’s lone Democrat, James E. Fletcher, who has recently championed the Commission’s actions to conduct evening meetings for increased public accessibility, added, “This analysis, and the recommendations that flow from it, will give the Commission additional tools to ensure that the Commission has the appropriate checks and balances in place.”

The process that led to the awarding of the contract began with the issuance and advertising of a “Request for Qualifications” from prospective firms, which was followed by a “Request for Proposals” from qualifying firms. Two firms were interviewed by the Commission Chairman and other staff.

Bridge Commission Announces Own Investigation Into Monies Lost

Also at the April 19th meeting, the Burlington County Bridge Commission announced that it is continuing to evaluate and analyze its own insurance policies, an initiative begun by former Commission Chairman J. Garfield DeMarco, in an attempt to determine if it is possible to recoup monies by making an insurance claim. The Commission is also looking to Bowman & Company, LLP, Certified Public Accountants, to assist in the claim.

Commissioners have also instructed Bridge Commission staff and counsel to evaluate and provide recommendations to them on any and all other options available to the Commission to recover the monies lost. When the analysis has been completed, the Commission will determine what remedies are available and make a decision as to how to proceed. The Commission has also already filed a claim with the United States District Court, seeking restitution from Mr. Stears relating to his guilty plea, and awaits sentencing and a decision as to restitution.

The Burlington County Bridge Commission manages the Tacony-Palmyra and Burlington-Bristol Bridges, and through its economic development and improvement authority powers extends pooled financing options to local governments and nonprofits in Burlington County. These initiatives have resulted in a savings of more than $13 million dollars in taxpayers’ money.

For information, contact: Liz Verna, APR, Director of Communications, (856) 829-1900, cell (609) 230-1444.

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New Hanover—On April 10, Gary LaVenia, Director of Improvement Authority Operations for the Burlington County Bridge Commission, presented Dennis Roohr, Mayor of New Hanover Township, with a $17,000 check, representing a grant from the Bridge Commission’s Improvement Authority. Funds were requested to further New Hanover redevelopment efforts.

Upon accepting the check, Mayor Roohr said, “On behalf of the township committee and the people of this town, we thank you.” Of the benefit the grant will provide New Hanover Township, he added, “For a town our size, $17,000 is a lot of money—what it will do will be tremendous.”

Also in attendance were George Ivins, Deputy Mayor; Geoffrey Urbanik, Clerk-Administrator; and Mark Remsa, Director of Burlington County Economic Development and Regional Planning.

“This grant is just one of the many ways the Bridge Commission’s financing and economic development is providing New Hanover—as well as other towns in the county—with opportunities they wouldn’t otherwise have to develop their community,” said Burlington County Bridge Commissioner James E. Fletcher. “And this community redevelopment results in significant savings to the taxpayers.”

It is through its economic development and improvement authority powers that the Burlington County Bridge Commission extends financing to local governments in the county, offering financing options including lease purchase and governmental loan financings designed to achieve a lower cost of capital money through economies of scale, lower interest rates, and/or lower cost of issuance.

The Burlington County Bridge Commission manages several Burlington County bridges, including the Tacony-Palmyra and Burlington-Bristol Bridges, and through its economic development and improvement authority powers, extends pooled financing options to local governments in Burlington County. These initiatives have resulted in a savings of more than $13 million in taxpayer dollars.

For information, contact: Liz Verna, APR, Director of Communications, (856) 829-1900, cell (609) 230-1444.

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