• Good morning and congratulations. Now that you have officially been sworn in, this is the first orientation of our new Board of Transportation. Congratulations.

• As Governor Easley told you this morning, being a Board member is both an honor and a great responsibility.

• I know firsthand. I've sat where you are today -- not exactly sure what is expected of me, but eager to serve. We're here to help you!!

• Transportation is fundamental to North Carolina's economic prosperity and high quality of life.

• And the North Carolina Department of Transportation supports our thriving state by offering a full-service transportation network that represents all modes of travel -- from highways to aviation, from bike paths to railways, from ferries to buses.

• Having a diverse Board of Transportation with expertise in the environment, State ports and aviation, rural transportation, mass transit, government-related finance; and business and industry is key to our state's continued success.

• Being a Board member requires long hours. Some of you may be surprised to know that you can spend up to 50 hours a week or more and travel over 1,000 miles each month working for the citizens of the state.

• It is a time commitment -- and a commitment to making sure that this state has a transportation system that is second to none -- the "Good Roads State".

• You will be our governing body as we work to maintain, expand and support our:
  
  • 78,000 miles of state-maintained highways;
    
  • 74 publicly-owned and nearly 300 privately-owned airports;
    
  • more than 3,000 acres of wildflowers and bike paths;
    
  • one of the nation's largest Adopt-A-Highway anti-litter programs;
    
  • the second largest ferry system in the nation -- with 25 vessels along our coast and 3 inland ferries;
    
  • 17 publicly-owned urban transit systems and carpool/vanpool services;
    
  • Carolinian and Piedmont trains; and
    
  • 3,400 miles of railroad tracks -- 406 of those miles are owned by the North Carolina Railroad.
    
  • As a Board member, you and your spouse will represent not only the Department of Transportation and Governor Easley, but also the State of North Carolina.

• You will set transportation policy for the entire state -- not just your specific area. That requires us to set a standard of the highest ethical code during our tenure.

• It also requires us to help fulfill Governor Easley's vision of One North Carolina. That's why I've set an aggressive agenda. You have a copy of these at your seats.

• The major commitments we'll focus on include:
  
  • Reducing the maintenance backlog;
    
  • Protecting and improving the state's natural resources;
    
  • Reducing congestion to enhance continued growth in urban areas;
    
  • Providing transportation infrastructure to help rural areas prosper;
    
  • Improving operating efficiency by maximizing existing resources and by seeking new ways to perform traditional tasks;
    
  • Expanding mass transit;
    
  • Improving rail, aviation, bicycle, ferries and other alternative means of transportation;
    
  • Ensuring that all citizens have a voice in transportation decisions which affect them; and
    
  • Making sure employees have a safe workplace as they build and maintain our transportation systems.

• We all are aware of the budget shortfall facing our state. I've sent two memos to employees outlining internal efficiencies and specifically asking them for ideas on ways to cut costs.

• I have asked our Chief Financial Officer, Wayne Stallings, to coordinate a special project to obtain more new and innovative ideas for efficiencies throughout DOT.
• First reports will come by the end of April and continue thereafter. Money from savings will be used for high priority activities such as highway maintenance. We will keep you posted.

• I asked employees to help because they are our greatest asset. I have seen our people as they go about their everyday business -- planning, building and maintaining our transportation network.

• And I have also seen our employees in action during Hurricanes Fran and Floyd, the record snowstorm of 2000 and the numerous other crises that have struck our state. They are self sacrificing and are dedicated to their work. I know you too will come to appreciate their talent and expertise as I have.

• Working with the Department requires us to accept a new and rewarding challenge.

• It requires us to help the Governor achieve his goals and serve as an advocate for all citizens.

• They are counting on us.

• As you can see, what lies before us during the next two days is challenging to say the least -- and yes, it's too late for any of you to dash for the door -- we've already got people posted out there.

• Sit back and join with me as we learn together as much as possible about this multi-faceted department. Let's get started.

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