We all celebrated the news a couple of weeks ago regarding the $14.6 million Tiger Grant given to Asheville by Secretary of Transportation Anthony Foxx. Let’s take this opportunity to thank all of those whose determination and dedication made this possible.
We first want to thank former Mayor Terry Bellamy for creating the River Arts District Transportation Project Committee and appointing Stephanie Pankiewicz as chair. The creation of this committee was the first step in securing the funding to revitalize the River Arts District.
We want to thank Stephanie Pankiewicz and all the committee members, paid and unpaid, for their outstanding work and commitment that led to this great achievement. With their creativity, expertise, and grit, the committee drove this project to victory.
We also want to thank the Asheville Board of Realtors. The presence of one of its members on the RADTIP committee created important government connections. This grant was made possible through the close relationship between the Asheville Board of Realtors and the congressman from the 11th District, Mark Meadows, who sits on the House Transportation Committee.
Finally, we want to thank Meadows for following up and following through with this project over the past two years. His commitment and persistence paid off to the tune of $14.6 million.
Mike Butrum
Asheville
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