Good afternoon.

Thank you, Lanny, for that introduction.

It is great to see so many of you here on this special day for DOT.

It has been a busy day-but we couldn't end it without pausing to officially dedicate the department's newest facility, the Division 3 Transportation Complex.

This complex is special not because it is new-but because it represents Governor Easley's focus on increased efficiency and enhanced customer service.

When faced with the displacement of several local DOT offices because of the Smith Creek Parkway, the Department worked with citizens and officials here to create a solution to this problem. But we did more than solve a problem-we set a new standard.

Consolidating several DOT units on one campus is a new way of doing business for us, but the advantages are countless.

The three major buildings on the grounds are home to more than 100 employees and three units, including Traffic Services, the Division Equipment Shop and the New Hanover County Maintenance Office.

And this 46.5-acre campus offers plenty of room to grow-making way for expanded services and other possibilities.

In the future, the local Division Office will relocate here from Wilmington-as well as a DMV/Highway Patrol Office and other important state agencies.

This new complex will benefit many people-and above all else, it demonstrates our commitment to the citizens.

We are lucky to have celebrating with us today another person who cares about you, Governor Mike Easley.

He vowed from day one of his administration to stand up for our children and for education.

He vowed to fight for patients' rights, to preserve and protect our environment and to bring economic prosperity to every region of our great state.

And he pledged not to let slow economic times knock us off stride.

He often says that it is during the toughest times that we must be more aggressive and more determined to succeed.

He has already reduced class size for kindergartners and in the lowest performing classes in grades 1, 2 and 3-and is working to help at-risk four year olds get the pre-kindergarten care they've been missing.

He's stepped up efforts to recruit and retain quality teachers-and has fought for vital investments in our community colleges and universities.

In addition, Governor Easley has taken steps to protect our people from terrorism, and has already signed into law the strongest Patients Bill of Rights' legislation in the nation.

His achievements are long for any first year chief, but are notably impressive given the tremendous obstacles our state has faced.

Please join me in welcoming the Governor of North Carolina, Mike Easley.