Thank you, Governor Easley, for the confidence you have placed in me.

I would also like to thank my wife, Lou, and my children Kellon and Walt and Walt's wife, Sally Scott, for their support-as well as my family and the many others here today.

I'd also like to recognize two special guests-Mr. and Mrs. Otis Freeman. Mr. Freeman has been my principal, teacher and friend since first grade. I am honored.

The office of Secretary of Transportation is a great honor-and, at the same time, an enormous responsibility. It is a responsibility that I welcome.

My professional experience as a CPA and my involvement in public service, which includes eight years as a Board of Transportation member, have led me to accept this new challenge.

I pledge today to devote my every energy to meeting the transportation needs of all North Carolinians.

Here with me today is Gene Conti, who will serve as my chief deputy. Gene, please stand, along with his wife, Betsy. Thank you.

Gene most recently served as Assistant Secretary for Transportation Policy at the U. S. Department of Transportation. His distinguished background in transportation policy, programs and budgeting will serve this department well-we are fortunate to have him.

As you already know, funds are tighter than ever in our state government, but Gene and I are committed to a quest for knowledge, to proactive planning and a search for creative solutions for all of our transportation needs.

These efforts will help us make the most of our existing resources and operate more efficiently-as all other government agencies must do. But we won't be acting alone.

I have had the pleasure of working beside my fellow board members and 14,000 transportation employees over the past eight years.

I have witnessed these people as they go about their everyday business--planning, building and maintaining our transportation network. And I have also seen these employees in action during emergencies.

During Hurricanes Fran and Floyd, the record snowstorm of 2000 and the numerous other crises that have struck our state, these employees have demonstrated uncommon courage.

They willingly worked around the clock, sacrificing time with their families, to help this state recover-regardless of their position.

No doubt about it-these employees are the department's greatest asset and, Gov. Easley, I am proud to serve as their leader.

As we look ahead into this new century, it is especially critical that we take care of what generations before us have worked so hard to build.

That's why my first priority is maintenance.

Our state has long been known as the "good roads state." This is a reputation worth upholding-for both the sake of the investment we've made and as a foundation for future progress. Unfortunately, the highway system that has served us so well for so long is ailing.

The General Assembly shares my concern and we look forward to working with the members to develop creative ways to address these needs for the long term. We must plan ahead because the demand for transportation improvements is growing far more rapidly than our ability to deliver them.

We must continue to direct our efforts toward the development of a mass transit system.

In my mind, there can be no greater illustration of Governor Easley's vision for One North Carolina than a truly integrated transportation system. With this aim, I will continue to push for expansions in our public transportation systems and rail service across the state.

An effective mass transit system will not only improve congestion, it will also help us protect the beautiful environment of the Old North State.

When transportation improvements are planned early and with great care, we not only protect our natural resources, we can also improve them. As a Board member, I have seen the results of this department's commitment to the environment-from our wetland restoration efforts to our wildlife mitigation and enhancement projects.

These achievements are proof that it is possible for a quality transportation system and a beautiful, clean environment to co-exist.

Therefore, we will continue to work with all resource agencies involved in the transportation planning process as partners-united in our commitment to the best interests of the citizens of this great state.

Our guidepost throughout the transportation planning process must be the needs and concerns of our citizens.

That's why I will continue to emphasize public involvement, ensuring that all citizens have a voice in transportation decisions that affect them.

We have much work ahead of us, but from this day forward, I promise to give to this great state the best that is in me.

I promise to serve as an advocate for all citizens.

I promise to lead this department wisely and to seek ways to improve our efficiency.

I promise to help the Governor achieve One North Carolina by devoting my efforts toward a transportation system that fulfills his vision.

And with the help of Gene and the continued dedication of the department's employees, I am confident that we will accomplish great things.

Together, Governor Easley, we can build a world-class transportation system that is worthy of the citizens we serve and that lives up to the promise of this great new century.

Thank you all for being here on my very special day.