Good afternoon, and thank you Alan for that introduction.
Alan is doing a fine job representing Asheville on the Board of Transportation.
I want to thank him for all he does to improve transportation in this area.
I’d also like to recognize former Board member Gordon Myers.
Gordon and I served together on the Board for eight years—and it has been great seeing him again today.
I started my day here in Asheville this morning at a dedication ceremony to celebrate the completion of work on the Drovers Road Scenic Byway on U.S. 74A.
I was honored to join residents of the Fairview Community and the Scenic Byway Committee to reaffirm the important link between North Carolina’s scenic byways and the American traveler.
This afternoon, I am again honored to join the City of Asheville and members of the Asheville Urban Trail Committee to dedicate Station 21 on the Asheville Urban Trail.
Station 21, aptly titled On The Move, tells the story of Western North Carolina’s rich transportation history.
This story is told through an 8-foot inverted stainless steel and chrome bird’s wing—a symbol of the earliest movements on earth.
A 4-foot wheel depicting all modes of transportation, from walking to space travel, turns as sounds such as canoes paddling through water and antique cars revving up can be heard.
On The Move pays tribute to the last brick street remaining downtown—and hearkens back to the days when horseless carriages began to crowd out buggies and wagons.
The artist and fabricator have beautifully captured the essence of transportation as it has evolved throughout time and history.
And I can think of no better place for this art piece than right here on the Urban Trail in downtown Asheville—a place steeped in a rich artistic and literary history.
I think that is one of the many reasons why the Urban Trail is so special.
Its unique blend of art and history encourages explorers to walk through Asheville’s varied neighborhoods, soaking up the stories of Asheville’s past as they imagine the future.
Leave it to Asheville to come up with the idea of a living, walking trail.
We expect this one-of-a-kind project from Asheville—a town renowned for being an artist’s haven and literary stronghold.
In addition to the art piece, DOT is proud to have contributed funds through our Enhancement Program for historic light fixtures, granite markers, landscaping and crosswalks throughout the entire Urban Trail.
Our Enhancement Program gives the department the opportunity to get involved in some of the most rewarding transportation projects in the state.
We partner with non-profit organizations and municipalities like the City of Asheville, to create non-traditional transportation projects such as the Urban Trail that promote history, culture and art.
At DOT, we don’t just build highways—which is why we are so glad to be involved in a walking trail like this.
We are committed to providing citizens with alternatives to the car including walking trails, bike paths and greenways.
These kinds of transportation projects not only help preserve our environment and our state’s precious natural resources, but they also promote fitness and wellness, encouraging us to get up and get out.
I commend the City of Asheville for its commitment to projects such as the Urban Trail—and your extensive pedestrian and bicycling network.
You have found a way to combine these alternative modes with your city’s artistic and historical past.
Projects like the Asheville Urban Trail make living and visiting here a pleasure—and an adventure.
On behalf of the Department of Transportation, I am happy to help dedicate Station 21 "On The Move."
We are very proud of our association with the Urban Trail—and look forward to enjoying its treasures for years to come.
Thank you.