Regional Transportation Alliance - Annual DOT Reception
Prestonwood Country Club
Cary, N.C.
Wednesday, June 1, 2005
5:30 p.m.

INTRODUCTION
Thank you, Peter, for that introduction. I commend both you and Duane Long for your outstanding dedication to the goals and initiatives of the Regional Transportation Alliance (RTA).

I'd also like to give special recognition to the Founding Chairman of RTA and former Raleigh Mayor, Smedes York.

You are one of many pioneers who have successfully laid the foundation for the Triangle's multi-modal transportation infrastructure.

On behalf of the DOT Board members and senior management, I extend our thanks to the Alliance for your support of our goal to boost economic development in all parts of the state, including the Triangle, through a safe and modern transportation system.

One example of our joint commitment is the widening of I-40 through the Triangle.

You recognized the importance of this project, and we were honored to receive a regional mobility award last year from your organization for this vital project and for the U.S. 64 signal improvements in Cary and Apex.

RTA-SUPPORTED INTIATIVES
Since last year's reception, the department has been creating, implementing and planning new and improved ways to meet our state's mobility needs, foster economic development and attract new industry.

One of the ways we are doing this is through N.C. Thinking Ahead!

At the request of Gov. Easley, we pulled together representatives from key organizations across the state, including the RTA, to form a working group focused on examining new short and long-term solutions to help meet the state's transportation needs.

In fact, we are especially pleased to have your very own Joe Milazzo as a regional representative in this distinguished group.

This task force met again just last week, and we continue to make progress towards finding innovative transportation solutions.

In a state with a population of over eight million citizens and 78,000 miles of state-maintained highways, it is imperative that we work together to create more efficient ways of transporting citizens to and from jobs, schools and medical care.

Because of your support of the innovative work of groups such as Thinking Ahead! and the N.C. Turnpike Authority, we are making much headway on our goals for improved mobility.

We appreciate your assistance with coordinating the public comment meeting here in the Triangle last summer to hear feedback on one of the state's first toll projects.

As Chair of the Turnpike Authority, I share your enthusiasm for the Triangle Parkway's selection as one of the first toll projects for further study.

It was because of your leadership and drive that the Triangle Parkway was included as one of the first projects, and I thank you for your dedication to representing the business community through regional projects.

As you know, a second public input meeting was held about this project last month to solicit input for extending it to the McCrimmon Parkway here in Cary.

Joe was one of the speakers at this meeting, and thanks to the support of him and other local leaders the board voted in favor of the extension.

As you can see, your partnership is very important to us, and we will continue to work on a local and regional level with organizations like the Alliance to make much-needed projects a reality.

For example, we are working hand-in-hand with the RTA as part of ongoing sign-audit partnerships to ensure that the voices of our local business owners are heard when new highways are being designed.

Just a couple of a weeks ago, our Division Five staff met with several RTA members, WakeMed Hospital, KB Home and local chambers of commerce to hear suggestions for signing I-540.

In addition, I know that you are very interested in the federal designation of U.S. 64 through the Triangle, which is why I have asked our traffic engineering unit to look into the feasibility of this designation.

We will keep you informed of any new developments on the designation.

CONCLUSION
As you can see, we are fully committed to finding new ways to improve our transportation system while meeting the needs of local and statewide business owners.

After all, a well-connected transportation system means better opportunities - economic, social and education - for all North Carolinians.

As we prepare for the future, I ask for your continued partnership.

As your slogan says, the RTA is "The Triangle's Business Partnership for Mobility."

Rest assured, DOT is equally committed to fulfilling RTA's mission for achieving mobility that benefits all citizens and businesses in this region.

Thank you.

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