The Delaware River Port Authority has voted to spend $11 million for economic development projects despite criticism from lawmakers and commuter advocates.
Opponents have railed against the bistate agency for using bridge tolls and commuter train fares for non-transportation uses. The DRPA oversees four bridges and a train line connecting Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
But authority chairman-designee John Estey says all projects approved in Wednesday's vote are located near DRPA train stations and ultimately will bring in extra revenue.
The biggest chunk of the money -- about $3.5 million -- will go to the planned President's House memorial in Philadelphia.
Lawmakers in the two states want to change the DRPA's charter to bar the grants.
Copyright AP - Associated Press
