Remarks for Secretary Lyndo Tippett
House Transportation Committee Meeting
Raleigh, NC
Wednesday, March 2, 2005 at 11 a.m.

Introduction
 Good morning.

Representative Allen, thank you for that introduction and for inviting me to join you today.

I'm certain that you and Representative Allred, Representative Carney and Representative Stiller will provide excellent leadership for this committee.

Thank you for all you do to support NCDOT's transportation initiatives.

As I begin my second term, our department will continue to focus on providing the safest and most efficient transportation system possible-and we will ask for your continued partnership in this mission.

As you know, a well-connected transportation system means better opportunities-economic, social and educational-for all North Carolina's citizens.

And thanks to the ongoing support of this committee, we have truly made a positive impact on citizens across the state.

Short-term funding programs like N.C. Moving Ahead! and Senate Bill 1005, have proven to be tremendously successful in helping us meet many pressing needs across the state, and we will continue to seek out similar solutions.

I know this committee played a huge role in making these programs a reality.

You'll be pleased to know that together, Moving Ahead! and Senate Bill 1005 have provided more than $1 billion in additional funds to improve North Carolina's highway system-primarily through resurfacing, bridge replacements, traffic signal upgrades and other safety improvements.

I also thank you for your help in obtaining increased flexibility for the Highway Trust Fund.

Making more projects eligible for this funding has been of great benefit to us and will enable us to fund much-needed projects across the state.

There has always been a gap between the state's transportation needs and available funding, and that gap cannot be closed by NCDOT alone.

Another way we are making the most of our existing resources is through the implementation of a statewide transportation plan, adopted by the Board of Transportation this past September.

It outlines the department's investment priorities for the next 25 years and estimates the state's long-term transportation needs as well as available funding, helping give the department a clear picture of how funds should be allocated.

By following the plan, the department will be able to meet nearly 35 percent more of the state's highway maintenance and modernization needs over the long term.

Additionally, the plan recommends increased funding for alternative modes of transportation such as public transportation, rail and ferry.

Overall, the plan will provide greater mobility, improved safety and better connections for all modes of transportation.

We will continue to look to you for advice and assistance in identifying both short and long-term solutions.

Unfortunately I've got to get back to the Highway Building for our board meetings, but Lori Cove from NCDOT's Statewide Planning Unit will be giving you more details on the plan.

Thank you again for your partnership.

I know that citizens are really seeing the benefits of our efforts to improve transportation-and I know I speak for all of NCDOT when I say that we are looking forward to working with you to make even more progress in the months to come.

Thank you.

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