Good afternoon.

It's good to be here to meet all of you today.

I'd like to welcome back our re-appointed council members and to welcome aboard our new members.

All of you know how important the aviation industry is to North Carolina's economy.

Commercial and general aviation bring in more than $9 billion each year to the state's economy and account for nearly 180,000 jobs.

As members of the Aeronautics Council, it is your duty to promote aviation and airport development throughout the state.

Governor Easley has appointed you to represent the best interest of the citizens of the state and to help fulfill his vision of One North Carolina.

I'd like to briefly share with you my agenda for the Department in support of Governor Easley's vision.

On the agenda card in front of you, I have outlined my nine goals and commitments for the Department. They are:

• Eliminate the highway maintenance backlog;

• Protect and improve the state's natural resources;

• Reduce congestion to enhance continued growth in urban areas;

• Provide transportation infrastructure to boost rural economic development;

• Improve operating efficiency by maximizing existing resources and by seeking new ways to perform traditional tasks;

• Plan and expand mass transit;

• Improve rail, aviation, bicycle, ferries and other alternative means of transportation;

• Ensure that all citizens have a voice in transportation decisions which affect them; and

• Improve highway safety for motorists as they travel through the state and for employees as they build and maintain our transportation system.

I also brought with me the Department's Summary of Accomplishments for 2001 based on these goals and commitments.

There should be a copy at each of your seats.

As you will see, we made great strides towards improving transportation in North Carolina last year -- but there is more to accomplish.

The Aviation Division has a lot of exciting things going on -- including planning for the 100th anniversary of flight.

Bill is going to talk with you more about WorldFlight 2003 -- the statewide celebration to commemorate this achievement -- and the history of aviation.

WorldFlight 2003 is a once in a lifetime opportunity for us to showcase North Carolina and our airports.

As "First in Flight," North Carolina has always been a leader in aviation -- and I'm confident that you all will help us continue this tradition.

I look forward to working with you to meet the state's aviation needs.

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