Looks like they set up that deal for the soccer stadium in Chester just in time.

You might remember that one of the final links in the financing puzzle that will bring Major League Soccer to Chester – and a $115 million, 18,500-seat stadium to the city’s riverfront – was a $10 million “contribution” from the Delaware River Port Authority.

Maybe you’ve heard of them. They’re the folks who run the four major bridges that connect Pennsylvania and New Jersey, including the Commodore Barry Bridge in Chester.

They were in the news yesterday. They need more money. And they know where to look for it: the people who use those bridges every day.

DRPA officials announced Thursday they will seek a rate hike for the four spans. They want a dollar more in September, and then another buck increase in 2010. That means it will cost $4 to go over the bridge in September, with $5 not far off in the future. DRPA also said it would like to see future increases tied to inflation to keep pace with rising costs.

The timing could not be worse. Drivers already are paying “through the nozzle” as gas prices head for the stratosphere, sitting right now at a robust $4.15 a gallon on average.

But the timing is especially lousy for DRPA for another reason as well. Officials have been getting an earful over their penchant to use money for redevelopment projects along the river, instead of solely for insfrastructure, repairs on the bridges or maybe even lower bridge tolls.

The Chester stadium is not the only benefactor from DRPA’s largesse. Other sites also have been the beneficiary, including Lincoln Financial Field, the Kimmel Center, the National Constitution Center, and Campbell Field in Camden.

Yesterday, in announcing their fare hike requests, DRPA officials conceded they have heard the complaints from the fare-paying public. And they’re cutting off the gravy train.

Officials vowed not to use any of the anticipated revenue for anything other than their primary mission, operating the bridges.

“Going forward, I want to assure you that new moneys raised from these proposed toll increases will not be used for economic development projects,” said DRPA boss John Matheussen. “Our efforts and the toll money will be dedicated to our assets, our bridges and PATCO.”

None of which is likely to make those forking over another buck to cross the bridge especially happy.

But think of it this way: Consider the grand view of the Chester stadium you’ll have as you head over the Commodore Barry. After all, the stadium is going to sit almost directly underneath the majestic span.

Consider yourself a part owner. Just don’t expect a luxury box.