• Thank you for joining us.

• Since we first began meeting a little over a year ago, we've heard support for four viable projects across the state.

• These projects are:

• The Cape Fear Skyway/Wilmington Southern Bridge, which will span about 9.5 miles across the Cape Fear River, connecting the U.S. 17 Bypass to U.S. 421. The project would serve the North Carolina State Port as well as the public in and around the Wilmington area.

• The Garden Parkway, also known as the U.S. 321/74 Bypass, a 20-mile freeway connecting I-485 near Charlotte/Douglas International Airport with I-85 west of Gastonia.

• The Monroe Connector, linking the U.S. 74 Monroe Bypass and I-485 in Union and Mecklenburg counties.

• The Triangle Parkway, which will parallel I-40 and extend from the Durham Freeway to I-540 in the Triangle region.

• And, as the idea of toll facilities becomes more popular, we may have even more project options added to the list.

• That's why we're working on a proposal asking the General Assembly to change the legislation that governs this board to allow us to study and build up to six projects across the state.

• The work of the N.C. Turnpike Authority Board to select, introduce and develop North Carolina's first toll projects is very important, and we must proceed with great care through every part of the process to make these new facilities a reality.

• Before proceeding with construction on any project, we want to be assured that the project is feasible in all aspects and will provide citizens with an increased level of mobility and quality of life.

• Once we obtain approval from the General Assembly, we anticipate being able to move forward with the formal selection of potential projects.

• Thank you for your patience and cooperation as we continue to work toward establishing the state's first toll facilities.

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