Democratic Candidates Demand Action to Restore the Dorset Avenue Bridge

Today, the Atlantic County Democratic slate of County Commissioner-at-large candidate Victoria Dolceamore, District 1 Commissioner candidate Reverend Collins Days, and District 4 Commissioner candidate Jonathan Marcellus called on Atlantic County leadership to take immediate responsibility for repairing the historic Dorset Avenue drawbridge so it can once again raise to allow marine traffic on the Intracoastal Waterway.

“We refuse to accept an undisclosed $85-100 million estimate that lacks transparency and threatens taxpayers,” said Dolceamore, Days, and Marcellus in a joint statement. “We will run on accountability, competitive pricing, and a bridge that serves both motorists and boaters.”

The candidates’ plan of action includes:

  • Issuing a public RFP to at least three firms from the county’s engineering pool for design of the bridge repairs

  • Aggressively pursuing state and federal infrastructure grants to reduce local costs

  • Scheduling initial structural upgrades in the county’s capital plan

  • Delivering quarterly progress reports and hosting public briefings to keep residents of Absecon Island fully informed

“The current price tag, offered without any documented source or methodology, is not acceptable. By combining transparency and competitive bidding, we will ensure the Dorset Avenue Bridge is restored and that Atlantic County’s taxpayers get the best value for their dollars,” said the candidates.

Michael Suleiman