A recent inquiry by a state government oversight group found that the Maine Turnpike Authority, a stand-alone, quasi-governmental agency that operates I-95 from Kittery to Augusta, was generous with staff. So generous, it allowed its credit cards to be used to charge alcohol, limousines and high-end hotel rooms. The MTA also spent $450,000 between 2005 and 2009 on sponsorships and donations to various organizations.
Is this evidence that the MTA has too much revenue? Should tolls be lowered? Or should the state Department of Transportation seek to absorb the turnpike authority so its revenue can be applied to non-turnpike road projects?