OGDENSBURG -- A Capitol Planning and Maintenance audit of the Bridge and Port Authority recommends raising bridge tolls and budgeting for needed improvements.

“Although the Authority has routinely developed four-year capital plans as required, the plans are incomplete and do not identify all of the Authority’s needs – in particular, those related to critical structural components of the Bridge,” the report says. “Failure to accurately report capital needs could put the State in a position of liability should these needs remain unaddressed and at some point require an immediate influx of funds to remediate an issue, likely at a cost higher than necessary.”

The audit states the authority estimates the international bridge needs at least $104.5 million for complete repainting and replacement of the approaches, but has not budgeted for the improvements.

“However, the authority has neither the funds to make the capital investment nor the means to secure the necessary funding elsewhere. While recent legislation would permit the Authority to issue bonds for reconstruction and upgrades, based on its current revenue, it would be unable to afford enough bonding to generate the significant amount of funding needed,” the audit says.

The audit recommends the OBPA include all anticipated needs in the four-year capital plans, even those the Authority deems to be currently unaffordable

It also shows that bridge tolls are currently set at levels that are equal to or significantly below those charged by other St. Lawrence River crossings.

“Given the Bridge’s extensive maintenance needs, including those resulting from accelerating deterioration in certain structural components, Authority officials should formally assess the propriety of the current toll structure,” the report says.

The report recommends the OBPA perform analysis of the bridge’s current toll structure to determine the most appropriate rates for each vehicle type from short-term, intermediate, and long-term perspectives.

The budget also points out that the international bridge is the OBPA’s sole money making asset.

“The Bridge is currently the Authority’s only profitable asset, generating about $2.4 million in toll revenue annually. The Authority uses cash from the Bridge’s fund to subsidize its other assets: nearly $2.3 million in 2012-13, more than $700,000 in 2013-14, and over $2.2 million in 2014-15. However, the Authority is working to make all assets profitable. Expansion plans are underway for the Airport, and a low-cost carrier is expected to begin providing additional service to Myrtle Beach, SC, and Orlando, FL, in November 2016. The Authority is also expanding the Port to increase its ship capacity,” the report says.

A letter from OBPA Chairman Sam LaMacchia states the agency will act on the recommendation.

“The funding needs cannot be addressed by state or federal officials without the authority raising the issue through our capital budgeting process and our four-year-capital plan. We accept and embrace this responsibility going forward,” he wrote.

The audit can be viewed at http://osc.state.ny.us/audits/allaudits/093016/15s70.pdf