Thank you, Larry.

Gov. Easley appointed Larry and Ed to the Board of Transportation earlier this year.

And, on behalf of Secretary Tippett and myself I would like to thank them for the excellent job they do representing this area.

I'd also like to thank Secretary Tippett for giving me the opportunity to come to Kannapolis today and help cut the ribbon for the newly widened Dale Earnhardt Boulevard.

This segment will help improve traffic flow along the highway by eliminating the sharp curves on the old section -- and will provide easier access to I-85.

This area has experienced tremendous growth over the past several years -- and the evidence is all around us.

Your close proximity to Charlotte and accessibility to I-85 make the Concord and Kannapolis area attractive to new businesses and residents.

We also have two other projects going on that will help improve traffic flow.

A segment of the Westside Bypass from N.C. 136 to 1-85 is about 75 percent complete.

We also are installing a new traffic signal system on U.S. 29 near Northeast Regional Medical Center and landscaping the roadside.

These projects demonstrate the North Carolina Department of Transportation's commitment to helping ease traffic congestion in our areas, while providing the transportation infrastructure that our rural areas need to attract new industry.

As we build this transportation system, we must also be mindful of the precious natural resources that North Carolina is so blessed with.

The main focus of my job is to ensure that we protect those natural resources, and to work with rural and metropolitan planning organizations to make wise planning decisions.

Eight years ago -- when this was just a two-lane highway -- the Cabarrus County Commissioners requested it be named after Dale Earnhardt.

I can think of no higher honor.

And, as we stand here today, you can't help but be reminded of him and why the people of this community thought so much of Dale to request that this highway be named in honor of him.

If you've ever watched a race, you know firsthand what a great race car driver he was -- he was called the Intimidator for good reason.

We've also heard many different stories about how generous and kind he was.

Those of us who did not know him on a personal level, knew he was great on the track, but we didn't know what a great person he was off the track as well.

Dale was respected even by his fiercest competitors.

His contributions to NASCAR, his fans, his friends and family will never die -- they live on in our memories and our hearts.

We always remember the man in black with the mirrored sunglasses.

And, I hope that as people drive down this highway they are reminded not just of the race car driver, but also of the generous and caring man that Dale Earnhardt was.

I know that Cabarrus County is home to Reed Gold Mine, but the real treasure is the people of this county -- people like the Earnhardt Family whom we are glad could join us today. This area has a bright future ahead and I look forward to working with people like Mayor Moss and Tom Dayvault to ensure that this future is how you envision it.

Thank you.