STATE’S WATCHDOG COMMITTEE AGREES TO AUDIT PASSENGER RAIL AUTHORITY

AUGUSTA –Today, the state’s watchdog committee, Government Oversight, unanimously voted to have the Office of Program Evaluation and Government Accountability (OPEGA) conduct an audit review of the Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority (NNEPRA).

The review was initiated by Democratic State Senator Stan Gerzofsky of Brunswick who, in his request said, “many concerns have been raised over the past few years about the operations and management of NNEPRA. There appears to be a real lack of trust and transparency. By conducting a review, we will be telling the people of Maine that we are listening and we are taking their concerns seriously.”

Sen. Stan Gerzofsky of Brunswick

NNEPRA is a public transportation authority created in 1995 by the Maine State Legislature to develop and provide passenger rail service between Maine and Boston and points within Maine. Their mission is to develop and manage a quality passenger rail system that meets the transportation needs of its customers, delivers value, and enhances economic development within the region.

Sen. Gerzofsky added, “By conducting this audit, we will also be able to focus on the effectiveness, efficiency and economical use of resources provided through NNEPRA, which is supported by the taxpayers of Maine.”

Significant public funds are used to support this service. In 2014, NNEPRA generated roughly $9.9 million in operating revenue through ticket sales, concessions, parking, etc. while their overall operating expenses were a little less than $18.4 million. As a result, $8.4 million from federal and state transportation funds were needed to fill the gap.

OPEGA is expected to report back to the Government Oversight committee this session.