RALEIGH, N.C. — Transportation Secretary Lyndo Tippett is asking for the public's input on the 2006-2012 Draft State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) through a series of public meetings scheduled across North Carolina.

The STIP is NCDOT's seven-year blueprint for transportation projects throughout the state. The final plan will be presented to the Board for approval at their meeting on July 7, following the public comment period.

"The public comment period is the most important step in the STIP development process because it ensures that the department's work reflects the transportation needs and priorities of North Carolina's citizens," Tippett said. "I encourage all citizens to actively participate in this process and contact NCDOT with their comments."

Eight public meetings will be held across the state from May 10 through May 20. Click

here

for a list of locations. (Requires

Adobe

Acrobat Reader)

Citizens may also submit feedback to the N.C. Department of Transportation (NCDOT) via mail and email.