Remarks for Secretary Lyndo Tippett
2005 N.C. Transportation Forum
Thursday, March 24, 2005 at Noon
Charlotte, NC

Thank you, Betsy, for that introduction.

It is a real pleasure for me to join you here today for the first-ever North Carolina Transportation Forum.

I know we've all been looking forward to this event and the good things it will mean for transportation in North Carolina.

Betsy, I thank you, Calvin Leggett, Tom Goodwin and the numerous other individuals involved with this forum for their outstanding work to make it a reality.

I also thank Bill Martin and the ITRE staff for all of their efforts to make this conference possible.

There could not be a better time for this event, as we are truly at a historic crossroads for North Carolina's transportation system.

With more demands upon us, we are blazing a new trail and developing new, more comprehensive ways to meet the needs of this state.

And we already have a proven record of success.

From delivering key highway projects to protecting the state's natural resources and expanding transportation choices for our citizens, we have made great progress for transportation over the past years.

It is a great privilege to remain in Governor Easley's Cabinet as Transportation Secretary, and I pledge to you that we will continue our efforts to provide a high-quality and cost-efficient transportation system.

We must now look ahead to the years to come, and this is where I will need your help.

As stakeholders in the transportation industry, you have the skills, talent and expertise to continue to provide a top-notch transportation system for all North Carolinians.

Transportation Funding and Innovative Solutions
You have already demonstrated your commitment to NCDOT as we implemented innovative cash management measures that allowed us to achieve a better return on taxpayer dollars.

As a result of recommendations from a 2001 cash management study commissioned by the General Assembly, DOT took advantage of available cash balances and invested them in much-needed transportation projects.

With your help, we were very successful at putting these dollars to work for the citizens - rather than let the money sit in the bank.

We implemented several programs with far-reaching value, including Senate Bill 1005.

As many of you know, Senate Bill 1005 has funded the completion of 136 economic development projects across the state.

Putting money to work sooner meant that we could take advantage of current prices, which have increased substantially over recent years.

We're pleased by our success in putting these funds to work, however, like any prudent business we also recognize the importance of working within our fiscal constraints.

That's why we've been working with Gov. Easley to develop a new group called N.C. Thinking Ahead!.

This working group, which includes representation from several key groups across the state, will focus on examining new short and long-term solutions to help meet the state's transportation needs.

There is no doubt that the transportation industry's progress over the past several years has strengthened the department.

That's why I know we are up to this challenge. As you can see from our 2005 Agenda, we are a new NCDOT-with a new perspective and new opportunities.

Implement the New Long-Range Statewide Transportation Plan
Our funding challenges underscore the need for long-term solutions.

We recognized this in the new long-range Statewide Transportation Plan adopted by the Board of Transportation last fall.

The plan identified a nearly $30 billion gap between need and revenue over the next 25 years.

However, this new plan also serves as a long-term strategy that will help us to maximize our funds, maintain our existing infrastructure and provide North Carolinians with more transportation options.

By following the plan, the department will be able to meet nearly 35 percent more of the state's highway maintenance and modernization needs over the long term.

Additionally, the plan recommends increased funding for alternative modes of transportation such as public transportation, rail and ferry.

Simply put, this plan will help us do better business as it charts a new direction for the department.

It was through bold leadership that North Carolina earned its reputation as the "Good Roads" state.

And we must use that same innovative spirit today to make bold decisions, maintain our reputation and keep North Carolina moving forward.

Provide Transportation Infrastructure to Boost Economic Development in All Parts of the State
We also recognize that the gap between needs and revenue cannot be closed by NCDOT alone.

That's why we will continue to work with the General Assembly and local governments to help us develop new ways to meet our state's transportation needs.

Transportation choices must not be about east versus west or urban versus rural or delivering one region's needs at the expense of another.

We are all part of One North Carolina, and our economic success as a whole depends upon giving every community access to the same opportunities.

You all may have heard about our recommendations to readjust the upcoming TIP to ensure that all divisions receive their fair share of funds.

This effort is important because the citizens deserve a plan that is both realistic and fair.

The 2006-2012 TIP will be made available to the public on April 6 for their comments.

The Work of the N.C. Turnpike Authority
Another promising new opportunity is through the N.C. Turnpike Authority.

I know many of you are already familiar with the N.C. Turnpike Authority Board and its charge to study and develop toll roads here in North Carolina.

Created in 2002 by the General Assembly, the Authority is currently authorized to construct, operate and maintain up to three toll roads in the state and to study three more-and is working to obtain legislative approval to study up to six projects.

The Authority has already selected four projects for further study-the Wilmington Southern Bridge, the Garden Parkway in Gastonia, the Monroe Connector and the Triangle Parkway in the Raleigh-Durham area.

As the Authority studies these projects more in-depth, we will have a better idea of whether they can be feasibly financed through toll revenues.

Increasing Public-Private Partnerships
The work of the Turnpike Authority is an example of how government is reinventing itself to adapt to the needs of its citizens.

A recently-published report from the U.S. Department of Transportation to Congress demonstrates a federal commitment to increasing the role of the private sector in transportation services and infrastructure investment and to encouraging the widespread use of public-private partnerships in transportation.

The report also suggests legislative solutions on both the state and federal level that will allow both state and local entities to take full advantage of the benefits these partnerships have to offer.

We will continue to research public-private partnerships and the new opportunities they can bring to the department's operations.

Increased Federal Funding
Improve Project Delivery
Preserve, Protect and Improve the State's Natural Resources
Improve Operating Efficiency and Security through New Technologies
Improve Alternative Modes of Transportation
Create More Opportunities for Employees and Business Partners and Expand Diversity Across All Levels of the Department
Improve Customer Service and Expand Public Participation
Improve Highway Safety for Employees and Our Motorists
Conclusion
These are just a few examples of how we're keeping transportation moving at NCDOT.

The bottom line is that our new perspective is leading to new opportunities and a new NCDOT.

Since I joined the department thirteen years ago, first as a Board member in 1993 then as Secretary in 2001, this department has undergone some major changes.

These changes have revolutionized transportation in our state and helped North Carolina become one of the nation's most popular places to live and work.

As we look to the future, I ask for your continued partnership in making the most of our resources and identifying new opportunities.

Thank you for all you do to make transportation in North Carolina a success.

I hope you enjoy the rest of your time here at the Forum.

Thank you.

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