Route 209 NPS traffic bill passes

WASHINGTON - Congressman Don Sherwood’s bill to continue the commercial traffic control/toll collection system on Route 209 through the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area has been passed by the House of Representatives and the Senate, clearing the way for it to be signed into law by President Bush. Sherwood’s bill authorizes the current monitoring and fee collection system to continue through Sept. 30, 2015, and permits the park superintendent to adjust the commercial vehicle fee schedule to cover the expenses of operating the monitoring stations on the road. The legal authorization for the monitoring system expired in September, making it necessary to enact a new authorization law. Sherwood’s bill was originally passed by the House on Nov. 15. The Senate this week passed a legislative package that combined Sherwood’s bill with two other non-controversial provisions (including one that clarifies an 892-foot natural gas easement in the Delaware Water Gap). The House passed the package this morning, clearing it to be signed into law. It is expected that the President will sign it before the end of the year.