Thank you, Senator Garrou, for that introduction.
This briefing has been very valuable-I appreciate you and the Chamber putting it together.
As Secretary of Transportation, it's very important that I have an opportunity to hear from leaders like you.
My experience as a CPA and my background as a business owner have given me a unique outlook on the state's transportation challenges.
This experience will guide me as I help Governor Easley build One North Carolina-a state where every community matters and every person counts.
Winston-Salem has been a major force in the history of our state and there is no doubt that it will play an important role in our future.
This city has excellent access to major highways like Interstate 40, U.S. 421 and U.S. 52, and through Interstate 74 will be a vital link in the Interstate 73/74 corridor.
This city has a distinguished heritage but thanks to its strong leadership, Winston-Salem is also positioned for an exciting future.
The Piedmont Triad Research Park is a model for Smart Growth-by focusing on technology, fostering downtown development and the re-use of existing office buildings.
As a result of this area's high quality of life, Winston-Salem has experienced a 29% population increase in the last 10 years.
Just like our state's other urban areas, you're facing the challenge of managing your growth.
What I like about this city is that its leaders aren't just talking about it-you're taking action.
In your Legacy Plan, you've created a VISION for where you want to be 25 years from now.
In this plan, you recognize the important connection between quality of life and wise transportation decisions.
This plan is also right on target with my agenda for transportation in North Carolina.
My agenda will support Gov. Easley's vision of One North Carolina and bring quality transportation within reach of all citizens.
At the top of my list is maintenance.
We have a number of maintenance projects going on in this area.
We're also in the process of rehabilitating Business Interstate 40-U.S. 421
It's our responsibility to take care of our highways-for the sake of our past investment as well as future growth.
Gov. Easley's budget, which is currently before the General Assembly, will provide an additional $73 million in maintenance funds during the next two years.
However, we're still faced with a shortfall of about $220 million.
We're doing all we can to reduce this shortfall, starting with internal efficiencies.
I'm pleased to say that already we have made much progress.
From streamlining the construction process to reducing administrative costs, we have strengthened our operations as well as improved our efficiency.
All savings that we generate will be recycled directly into maintenance.
For the sake of our children and grandchildren, it's also critical that we protect our environment as we fulfill transportation needs.
During my leadership, I'll be expanding efforts that protect what makes our state so special-from wetland and stream restoration, to beautification projects like the ones along Interstate 40, U.S. 421 and Peter's Creek Parkway.
In total, NCDOT has given over $1 million to this area for landscape beautification projects.
In addition to these projects, last year NCDOT provided $154,000 and an additional $100,000 in Division 9 funds to Old Salem, Inc. and Forsyth County for landscaping and pedestrian improvements to improve access to the North Carolina Heritage Education Center at Old Salem.
You'll notice on the agenda cards you have that I'm also taking a special look at those challenges facing our state's urban areas-particularly traffic congestion.
We didn't arrive at this congestion overnight; reversing this situation will take time.
As part of a $15-million TIP project, NCDOT will study traffic congestion along U.S. 52 in the short-term, including capacity and safety improvements.
The study will result in a highway improvement project scheduled for letting in 2005.
Highway improvements will help-but I'm also looking ahead.
I'm pursuing a short-term solution immediately in the form of high occupancy vehicle or HOV lanes.
Currently, my staff is working on identifying high-volume traffic areas across the state where HOV lanes would work.
By providing an incentive for motorists to carpool or ride the bus, HOV lanes have the potential to significantly reduce traffic congestion much faster than new construction.
We're also committed to continuing our intelligent transportation efforts, which are headquartered locally within the Division 9 Transportation Management Center.
This city should be proud of the fact that this center, which opened in 1997, was the first transportation management center in the state.
Through the use of technology such as cameras and overhead message signs, this center monitors traffic and keeps the public informed about delays.
In early 2002, we'll be consolidating operations from this center with the Greensboro Transportation Management Center in a central facility located along Interstate 40 at the Piedmont Triad Airport.
This effort, which is a model for efficiency and cooperation among highway divisions, will boost our service to the traveling public by allowing us to manage traffic regionally.
However, there is only so much the department can do alone about traffic congestion.
That's why we'll also be working with local government and business leaders to create a collective solution to traffic congestion.
For the long-term, we must continue to make an investment in MASS TRANSIT.
By increasing capacity, a mass transit system will not only improve congestion, it will also help us better plan for the future by offering citizens an alternative to the car.
There is no doubt that the demand exists-look at the Winston-Salem Transit Authority, for example.
Due to the new bus routes which are helping bring more workers to their jobs, ridership is up by nearly 4 percent.
Last year, NCDOT provided the Authority with more than $1 million in funds for operating assistance, and $537,000 to match federal capital grants and $43,500 in federal and state funds to assist with planning.
This City has also been a strong advocate of increased rail service-from passenger rail service to Asheville to the Southeast High-Speed Rail Corridor.
The Governor's budget provides an additional $30 million for public transportation and $28 million for rail during the next two years-which will allow us to move forward with mass transit in our state.
In spite of these investments, there are simply not enough funds to do all that we would like to do.
As you know, funds are tighter than ever across state government-emphasizing the need for creative thinking.
Realistically, funds will always be limited; being creative today will help us in the future.
As you can see, I have much work ahead of me-however, I am optimistic because I have such a strong team beside me:
But most important of all, I know that I can count on the assistance of LEADERS LIKE YOU.
It's very clear to me that the leaders here today take great pride in this city-and have made a significant investment in the future.
I look forward to working with all of you to continue to improve transportation in this area.
Together we can build the kind of transportation system that supports cities like Winston-Salem and that will make One North Carolina a reality.
Thank you for inviting me here today.