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New COO Hired At DRPA

CAMDEN, N.J. (CBS) - The Delaware River Port Authority has hired a new Chief Operating Officer, but don't look for a lot of changes at the bi-state agency.

Robert Hicks has spent nearly the last eight years as a Washington-based transportation consultant. But he brings a long work history with him, one that prompted the DRPA board to select him over four other candidates after a yearlong national search.

Hicks will report to CEO John Hanson.

"He's got a degree in engineering, so he's a trained engineer," Hanson told KYW Newsradio. "He's also an internationally recognized expert on technology infrastructure, asset management and urban policy and planning."

Hicks replaces Daniel Auletto, a long time bridge manager for the DRPA, who's served as Chief Operating Officer in an interim capacity for the last couple of years, and plans to retire by the end of this year.

"The bridges have never been in better shape than they are in right now," Hanson said. "And Mr. Hicks is the guy who's going to come in and makes sure that continues to be the case."

Hicks will earn $173,000 annually in his new position.

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