Remarks for Secretary Tippett
Fayetteville Transportation Museum Dedication
Friday, May 26, 2006 at 6:15 p.m.
Fayetteville
Good evening and thank you, Kyle, for that kind introduction. It is a pleasure to be here.
I always enjoy coming home to Fayetteville, especially to participate in events such as this one.
It is great that so many people could join us tonight for such a special event.
The Fayetteville area is well served by Division Engineer Terry Gibson and District Engineer Ray Stone, who both continue to do an outstanding job leading the department's efforts in this area.
I would also like to recognize Denese Lavender, Debbie Vick and Ed Davis from NCDOT's Enhancement Unit for their work with the city of Fayetteville and the Fayetteville Transportation Museum to make this day a reality.
Lastly, I certainly want to thank Mayor Chavonne and the museum staff for their hospitality.
Fayetteville Train Depot
Before the ceremony today, I had the opportunity to view the recent renovations to the historic Fayetteville Train Depot, just down the street.
That building serves rail passengers in the same manner that the building behind us once did and is a beautiful gateway for people arriving by train in Fayetteville.
I encourage each of you to visit the station and see the improvements that have been made. Our Rail Division staff, under the leadership of Director Pat Simmons, has done an excellent job in preserving the depot as part of the city's transportation history.
Also, thanks to SFL&A Architects, whose offices are just around the corner, and Progressive Contracting of Sanford for their work on the depot.
Transportation and Fayetteville
Speaking of Fayetteville's transportation history, I cannot think of a more appropriate place for North Carolina's newest transportation museum than right here in Fayetteville.
As Mr. Adolphsen (a-doll-f-sen) so thoughtfully shared, this region has deep ties to transportation.
Those ties will no doubt grow stronger as I-295 continues to reach around the city, connecting both neighborhoods and Fort Bragg with the interstate highway system.
Vital transportation links, such as our highways, railways and airports open the doors of opportunity to our citizens and enhance the quality of life.
In fact, enhancing communities by preserving our state's valuable resources is one of my top priorities.
By preserving items in this museum, citizens and visitors will have the resources available to help them understand the close relationship between transportation and society.
They will also be able to learn more about the close ties of Fayetteville and Fort Bragg through the exhibits and displays that teach us about the base's impact here.
Through the exhibits in this building, we are able to reflect on our heritage, teach our children about the importance of transportation and look forward to the future.
NCDOT Enhancement Program
Shaping this historic building into such a beautiful museum was made possible through community partnerships, as well as federal funding administered through NCDOT's enhancement program.
The program exists to improve the cultural, aesthetic and environmental aspects of North Carolina's transportation system as well as promote alternative modes of travel.
As a result of the federal Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century, our department has been able to award funding for projects across the state, thereby enhancing communities and improving the quality of lives for our state's citizens.
We've also been working on other improvement projects here in Cumberland County.
In addition to the transformation of this building into a museum, the department has previously worked with local officials to construct the first phase of the Cape Fear Greenway using enhancement funds.
We are currently in the planning stages for two other projects in the Fayetteville area, including a streetscape project along Bragg Boulevard from Tank Creek to O'Dell Drive and the restoration of the Smith Plantation house.
And, we are also looking forward to working with you on future expansions of this museum.
After touring it today, I am proud of what you have accomplished and I am impressed by the number and quality of exhibits that have been installed.
This museum will quickly become a top tourist destination and a popular place for residents to bring their family and friends.
With this new museum, the renovated train station and other area improvements, this part of Fayetteville is certainly destined to become a new hub of activity for the city and generate new economic opportunities for the downtown area.
Conclusion
I am sure that everyone who comes to this facility will leave with a greater sense of appreciation for Fayetteville's rich history and strong transportation ties.
I encourage everyone to visit often and take full advantage of the resources this facility has to offer.
Best of luck with this museum and thank you again for inviting me here today.