|
| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
| State Rep. Scott Conklin |
|
Conklin to call for audit of Pa. Turnpike Commission
HARRISBURG, April 20 – Centre County state Rep. Scott Conklin announced today he is introducing a measure calling for a performance audit of the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission.
The audit would be conducted by the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee, which is a bipartisan legislative service agency. The committee is comprised of six state senators and six state legislators.
"The committee studies financial issues in the state dealing with revenues, expenditures and fiscal problems," Conklin said. "I am encouraging the committee to look for any inefficiency within the Turnpike Commission's operation."
Under Conklin's resolution, the audit would examine the yearly operational costs of the Pennsylvania Turnpike, determine an appropriate management to staff ratio, issue recommendations to eliminate waste or fraud, and offer suggestions based on initiatives, polices and best practices of states with similar toll road programs.
"No state tax dollars are used to operate and maintain the Turnpike," Conklin said. "However, Pennsylvania taxpayers are contributing financially each and every time they pay a toll, so we must make sure this money is being spent in the most appropriate manner.
"The Turnpike Commission's credibility has recently been brought into question with allegations of ongoing political patronage and questionable operating practices. I feel a performance audit would be in the best interest of the state to make sure the operation of the Turnpike is above reproach."
Conklin added the commission oversees the 545-mile turnpike system, which is used by nearly 500,000 vehicles a day.
The committee would be required to report audit results within 180 after passage of Conklin's measure.