Raleigh---Gov. Jim Hunt and state Transportation Secretary Norris Tolson on Monday, Jan. 11, will host a summit to develop a vision for North Carolina's transportation future that includes expanding passenger rail and transit services to complement the state's highway and aviation systems.

Nearly 500 transportation and local elected officials from across North Carolina, including mayors, legislators, city planners and county managers are expected to attend the summit which begins at 10 a.m.

Gene Conti, assistant secretary for transportation policy at the U.S. Department of Transportation, will be the luncheon speaker. Bob Perciasepe, assistant administrator for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and U.S. Congressman David Price also will participate in the summit.

A morning panel will include representatives from the academic, government, business, environmental, rural and legislative communities to discuss the impacts of integrated transportation plans for North Carolina. During the afternoon session, participants will critique and discuss transit plans, strategies and funding.

"This summit will set the stage for integrated transportation development during the next 20 years," Tolson said. "By the end of the day, we will have a better idea how state and local governments can work together to make highways, rails, airports, ports, regional and local transit all part of a single system."

What: North Carolina Passenger Rail and Transit Summit

When: Monday, January 11 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. (Registration begins at 9 a.m.)

Where: McKimmon Center, Gorman Street and Western Boulevard, Raleigh

Contact: Julia Hegele, NCDOT Rail Division, 919-733-4713 ext. 247