Thank you, Lanny, for that introduction.
Today’s event is a true celebration—for this region as well as the state.
I’ll start by sharing some great news with you.
During my first nine months as Secretary, I’ve been taking a hard look at the special issues affecting transportation across the state.
As a result, one of my top priorities is MAINTENANCE.
During the last 50 years, this department invested great effort in road building, earning the name of "THE GOOD ROADS STATE."
This investment certainly paid off because our roads have played a vital role in our state’s growth.
But if we want to keep up with the needs of our growing population, we must be able to maintain the roads that we build.
Our state’s budget shortfall makes meeting our maintenance needs particularly challenging.
However, we’re doing all we can to optimize the funding we do have through internal efficiencies.
One of these is a new maintenance management program.
This program will help us better manage maintenance projects and equipment, saving time and money.
We’ve also been working with the General Assembly.
As part of the budget bill, the General Assembly passed a special provision allowing the N.C. Department of Transportation (NCDOT) to use a portion of its cash balances—about $420 million—for maintenance during the next three years.
We applaud the General Assembly’s support and passage of this landmark legislation, which is the most significant transportation legislation since the Highway Trust Fund in 1989.
This legislation honors the legacy of all those helped build our highways by helping preserve these roads for future generations.
Safe and well-maintained highways are a vital part of Governor Easley’s plan for One North Carolina.
This legislation brings us one step closer to that vision.
It’s also important for you to know that NCDOT is responding with quick action.
The week following the passage of this legislation, several much-needed maintenance projects were sent out to bid.
In November and December of this year, the Board of Transportation is scheduled to approve projects totaling $153 million for the first year of funds.
Construction on these projects will begin as soon as weather permits.
In the first year alone we will improve more than 400 miles of highways.
In this region, we’ll be improving more than 22 miles of highways along U.S. 74/76 and N.C. 211 in Brunswick County.
Because there are two more years left in the program–$135 million in both the second and third years, we expect to improve many more areas across the state.
Contracts for maintenance projects for the second year will be let in 2002 and, for the third year, in 2003.
These funds will be used for heavy maintenance work—not just pothole repairs—along primary routes. This work will include the replacement of deteriorating sections of highway and asphalt overlays.
The department’s quick action will help the economy by providing work for contractors and subcontractors across the state.
As part of this legislation, the department would also be able to use additional monies from its cash balances during the next three years as follows:
As a native of a small town in Johnston County, I have always been a champion of our rural areas.
Rural North Carolina has played an important role in our state and our nation’s heritage—these areas have been the scene of important historic events, they offer some of the most beautiful countryside in the world and they have nurtured many noted leaders.
Yes, it is true that these areas have yielded some of the state’s most industrious people—and among them are our farmers, who still feed our citizens.
In fact, it was the farm roads that helped build our state by MOVING GOODS to the MARKETPLACE.
There’s no reason why our farm roads shouldn’t continue this tradition and become the spokes in the economic development wheel.
Based on the vibrant history of our rural regions, I know that their potential is unlimited.
That’s why, throughout my association with the Department, first as a Board member for eight years and now, as Secretary, I have been committed to helping build a strong future for these areas.
With this aim, we have been working on the development of rural transportation planning organizations—or RPOs—across the state.
On Sept. 26, we announced a new RPO for the Mid-Carolina region, representing Bladen, Cumberland, Harnett and Sampson counties and on Oct. 9, we announced the formation of the Unifour RPO, representing Alexander, Burke, Caldwell and Catawba counties.
RPOs are voluntary organizations composed of local elected officials and local transportation system representatives that will serve in an advisory role for the department.
They will help the department develop long-range local and regional multi-modal transportation plans.
RPOs will also develop and prioritize suggestions for transportation projects to be included in the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP).
Today we announce the formation of the Cape Fear Regional RPO, representing the counties of Brunswick, Columbus and Pender.
In every way, the Cape Fear Regional RPO is true to the spirit of Governor Easley’s One North Carolina.
This organization will give leaders in rural areas the opportunity to take the lead in planning local transportation and to help shape the future of their regions.
For citizens, the Cape Fear Regional RPO will improve quality of life by providing more local public involvement opportunities in the transportation decision-making process.
More efficient transportation planning in our rural regions will improve economic development across the state, therefore benefiting all North Carolinians.
Today’s announcement is a victory we all share.
In this spirit, I’d like to thank our partners in this effort.
I’ll start by recognizing Lanny Wilson and Mac Campbell, this area’s Board of Transportation members for their help in making this event happen.
You’ve met Lanny already—Lanny would you and Mac please stand?
(WILSON AND CAMPBELL STAND. YOU LEAD APPLAUSE.)
Thank you.
Another important person is Billy Ray Hall, President of the N.C. Rural Economic Development Center.
The Rural Economic Development Center has been instrumental in the formation of our RPOs, with a commitment to provide 25% of the local matching funds for up to $5,000 each.
Although he couldn’t be here today, I would like to thank Billy for his support.
And finally, I’d like to recognize Roger Sheats.
As all of you know, Roger is the department’s first Deputy Secretary for Planning, the Environment and Local Government Affairs.
This position has been a great match for Roger’s skills and a real bonus for the department.
Roger shares my commitment to strengthening rural North Carolina and he assures me that this event is one of many announcements that will be held as other RPOs are formed across the state.
Roger, please stand.
(SHEATS STANDS. LEAD APPLAUSE.)
At this time, I’d like to ask the following people to join me at the podium.
You’ve already met Bill Sue, Chair, of Brunswick County Commissioners Randy Britt, Chair, Columbus County Commissioners Dwight Strickland, Chair, Pender County Commissioners
(SUE, BRITT AND STRICKLAND JOIN YOU AT THE PODIUM.)
It is my honor to present to you a framed copy of the official charter for the Cape Fear Regional RPO.
(PRESENT FRAMED CHARTER TO THE GROUP. BILL SUE WILL ACCEPT THE CHARTER ON BEHALF OF THE GROUP.)
Bill, would you like to give a response?
(BILL SUE GIVES RESPONSE. YOU RETURN TO THE HEAD TABLE AND SUE CONTINUES WITH THE AGENDA.)