Thank you, Benton (or Larry), for that introduction.

Good evening. Thank you for inviting me.

• Pleasure to be here with you tonight.
  
• Bring greetings from Secretary Tippett.
  
• Great to be back in North Carolina.

You may not know this but I lived in North Carolina for several years back in the 1970's while attending Duke University.

• Don't hold that against me.
  
• Also worked for Congressman David Price in late '80's and early '90's on banking, education and transportation issues that had a statewide impact.
  
• Youngest son was born in Chapel Hill, but went to N.C. State!

I'm excited to be back here, and to be working at NCDOT.

• Top notch employees.
  
• Good to see some familiar faces in the audience.

Worked at the USDOT for six of the past nine years.

• Served as Assistant Secretary for Transportation Policy.
  
• Principal advisor to Secretary Slater on transportation safety, finance, economic growth, environmental impacts, technology and mobility and strategic planning.
  
• Also served as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Budget and Programs.
  
• Worked with staff in the development, evaluation and execution of the federal transportation budget.

My experience at the federal level will be a great tool for me as I work with Secretary Tippett to find solutions to the transportation challenges of the 21st century.

Secretary Tippett and I have laid out an aggressive agenda for the department.

• I look forward to helping fulfill our commitment to the citizens of North Carolina to provide a safe, quality transportation system that includes all modes of travel.
  
• Key to the continued prosperity of this state and to Gov. Easley's vision of One North Carolina.
  
• Given you a copy of our agenda on a handy card.

At the top of our agenda is maintenance.

During the last 50 years, DOT has invested a great deal of work and money into building an extensive highway system.

• Earned North Carolina the name "The Good Roads State."

• Highways have played an important role in the success of our state - and continue to be vital for future economic growth.

• Currently receive about $500 million for maintenance, but need $800 million.
  
• $300 million shortfall

Our population continues to increase, as is the number of miles we are traveling.

• The result is an even greater need for safe, clean and smooth highways.
  
• Must be proactive about securing additional funds to maintain them.
  
• Will work with General Assembly for a long-term solution.
• Meanwhile, we are looking internally for short-term solutions.
  
• The department is participating in the state hiring freeze, and limiting our purchases to essential goods.
  
• Since we are self-funded, our savings from these measures will go toward meeting some of our critical needs -- such as maintenance.

As we take care of what generations before us worked so hard to build, we also are planning for the future.

Recognize that our urban highways are clogged -- looking for ways to reduce congestion.

• The demand for transportation improvements is rapidly outpacing our ability to deliver them.

• How many of you got stuck in traffic on your way here tonight?
  
• Must find solutions for our urban areas to continue our economic success.

One such solution is mass transit. We must offer citizens an alternative to the car.

• We will continue to push for expansion of rail and public transportation services across the state.
  
• Currently studying implementing commuter rail along I-77 between Charlotte and Mooresville.

• From initial planning stages to the completion takes years.

• On I-77 between Statesville and Charlotte the department is looking at adding an HOV lane in the median used by southbound commuters during morning rush hour, and northbound commuters during evening rush hour.
• Also, looking at upgrading traffic signals at a number of intersections to help traffic flow.
  
• The Metrolina Regional Traffic Management Center will open this year.
  
• Haven't had a chance to visit, yet, but understand it is very impressive.
  
• This new center will allow traffic engineers to monitor travel conditions and help emergency personnel respond to and clear incidents quicker.
  
• The cameras will allow motorists to see real-time travel conditions and make a decision on their route before they leave their home or office.
  
• These centers, which support "511" service and similar ITS services (many of them based on GPS signals), will contribute to more efficient through put on our current and future road/transit systems.
  
• We are in the process at looking at the feasibility of "511" service in North Carolina.

But, there is only so much the department can do alone.

• Will be asking leaders across the state to help us find solutions to our growing congestion.

I have talked a lot about our urban areas, but our rural areas are just as important.

• Facing a different challenge: struggling to attract industry.
  
• Moving from an agricultural based economy.
  
• Farm roads must be transformed to become the spokes of the economic development wheel.

When I worked at the USDOT, I served as coordinator of the Rural Transportation Task Force.

• While there I led the department's efforts to establish an effective strategy to bring opportunity and a better quality of life to rural communities.
  
• At NCDOT, I will continue to focus on the need for highway infrastructure to help our rural communities attract new industry and jobs.

As we look at transportation needs in our rural and urban areas, we must not forget Mother Nature and all that she has given us.

• I am still learning about the department's programs -- but do know what an extensive environmental program we have.
  
• Protecting trout streams,
  
• Restoring wetlands,
  
• Wildlife mitigation and

Enhancement projects are just some of the ways NCDOT has proven that we can provide a quality transportation system while protecting and enhancing the state's environment.

But, we can always do more -- and we will.

That's why a couple weeks ago, Secretary Tippett named Roger Sheats as Deputy Secretary for environment, planning and local government affairs.

• Charged him with expanding the department's environmental and planning efforts.
  
• Also will work with local governments, communities and environmental groups during the planning of transportation projects.

As you can see, we have a lot of challenges ahead of us.

• Charging you to make the goals and commitments you see on our card yours as well.
  
• Need support from professionals like yourselves.
  
• This is a great opportunity to be creative and look for new and even better ways to conduct business at DOT.
  
• Confident that we can all work together to meet those challenges head on -- and enjoy an even brighter future for North Carolina.

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