As a life-long resident of Southeastern North Carolina, I have seen our region grow immensely over the past twenty years. The development of critical interstate highways, airports, rail, and ports provides residents with a variety of transportation options and enables businesses to transport goods and services for our economy. With over 6,500 square miles of land, the Seventh District of North Carolina has a vast transportation network that requires frequent maintenance and rehabilitation. In order to satisfy these needs, I am working to ensure that southeastern North Carolina receives its fair share of federal transportation funding to make the daily commute safer and more efficient for our growing region.

Supporting our Interstate Highways
With I-95, I-40, and the future I-74 running through Southeastern North Carolina, funding for our interstate highway system is vital. I have been a strong supporter of securing a high return on the gas tax dollars that North Carolinians contribute to the Highway Trust Fund. It is critical that those tax dollars come back home to work for us and that I-95 and I-40 receive the necessary maintenance dollars for resurfacing and paving so that travel on those important arteries is as safe as possible. I am also fighting for funds to upgrade the current US 74 to interstate standards so that all areas of the district have access to safe, efficient travel options.

Ensuring Vital Airport Access
Wilmington International Airport, Fayetteville Regional Airport, and our many small general aviation airports provide a vital link from North Carolina to the rest of country and beyond for residents and tourists alike. I am a strong supporter of the Airport Improvement Program and the Federal Aviation Administration’s discretionary grants that allow airports to undertake major capital improvement programs. In addition, I have worked with many airports to secure additional, direct federal funding for runway extensions and capacity expansions.

Establishing a Passenger Rail and Freight Service
In addition to maintaining existing transportation infrastructure, I am also working to support the establishment of passenger rail and freight service throughout the southeastern portion of the United States. High-speed rail would boost economic development throughout our region, encourage community revitalization and provide an efficient alternative to air travel. By developing corridors throughout the Seventh District, passenger rail would bring much needed revenue to many of our economically distressed regions.

Channeling Our Logistic Advantage
Southeastern North Carolina is also home to the Port of Wilmington where millions of dollars in goods are shipped each year. In order to increase economic growth throughout our region, I have been pleased to secure funding to deepen the navigation channel of the Wilmington Port from 38 feet to 42 feet. Deepening this channel has enhanced the delivery and export of international cargo and ensured timely, competitively-priced goods for our residents. In order to provide continued growth and vitality in the future, we must continue to invest in port developments and facilities. With a 42-foot channel, the Port of Wilmington will continue to serve as a major East Coast gateway to the world, as well as an important component of our national defense mobilization.