Pennsylvania Act 1919-102 — DELAWARE RIVER TOLL BRIDGES, ACQUISITION AND MAINTENANCE

Act text

AN ACT

Providing for the joint acquisition and maintenance by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the State of New Jersey of certain toll-bridges over the Delaware River.

Section 1. Bridges between Pennsylvania and New Jersey; "bridge" defined

The word "bridge," wherever used in this act, shall mean any bridge, wherever toll is charged, over the Delaware River, between the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the State of New Jersey, except such bridges as are used exclusively for railroad or railway purposes; and shall include the actual bridge, the approaches thereto, and all real and personal property, including the franchise, belonging to the owner or owners of such bridge, used in the operation and maintenance of same. 1919, May 8, P.L. 148, Sec. 1.

Section 2. Five public members, none of whom shall serve concurrently in an elected Federal or State office, who shall be appointed by the Governor are hereby constituted a commission to act in conjunction with a similar commission of the State of New Jersey, as a joint commission for the acquisition of the various toll-bridges over the Delaware River between the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the State of New Jersey.

(2 amended July 1, 1996, P.L.453, No.68)

Compiler's Note: Section 2 of Act 68 of 1996, which amended section 2, provided that Act 68 shall apply upon the enactment into law by the State of New Jersey of legislation adding two members from the State of New Jersey to the commission, but, if the State of New Jersey has already enacted such legislation, Act 68 shall apply immediately. New Jersey appointed two additional members under 1912 N.J. Laws c.297, as amended 1994 N.J. Laws C.175, N.J.S.A. 32:9-1 (1996 P.P.).

Section 3. How bridges acquired; how cost paid

The acquisition of said toll-bridges may be either by purchase or by condemnation proceedings, as said joint commission may deem more expedient. The one-half of the cost of acquiring said bridges shall be paid by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, provided the one-half of the cost of acquiring said bridges shall be paid by the State of New Jersey. 1919, May 8, P.L. 148, Sec. 3.

Section 4. (4 repealed Apr. 28, 1978, P.L.202, No.53)

Section 5. (5 repealed Apr. 28, 1978, P.L.202, No.53)

Section 6. Costs and expenses

All expenses of the Pennsylvania members of the joint commission, and all court costs in the State of Pennsylvania, including advertisements, incurred in the proceedings aforesaid, shall be defrayed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. 1919, may 8, p.l. 148, Sec. 6.

Section 7. Possession and use of bridge; tolls; rentals payable by railroads

As soon as said joint commission shall have acquired any such bridge, either by purchase or condemnation, the said joint commission shall at once take possession of such bridge in the joint names of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the State of New Jersey. Toll charges on such bridge shall thereupon cease, and such bridge shall thereafter be free to the traveling public, under such rules and regulations as may be prescribed by said joint commission or its lawful successors. Any railroad or railway, now having the use of any such bridge by lease or agreement, shall pay, according to the rules and regulations of the joint commission or as otherwise provided by law, such rental charges now paid to the owner or owners of such bridge or such other charges as may be agreed upon or required by law. 1919, May 8, P.L. 148, Sec. 7.

Section 8. Control and maintenance of bridge

Upon the acquisition of any such bridge by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the State of New Jersey, the same shall remain in the charge and control of said joint commission or its successors. Such bridge shall thereafter be maintained jointly by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the State of New Jersey. Fifty per centum of any and all expense in connection with such maintenance shall be paid by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and fifty per centum shall be paid by the State of New Jersey. Fifty per centum of the net income shall be paid to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and fifty per centum to the State of New Jersey, or to such body or bodies as may be provided by law in each State: Provided, That appropriate concurrent legislation for the same purpose be enacted by the State of New Jersey.

(8 repealed December 18, 1984, P.L.1052, No.206 eff. July 1, 1986)