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KENANSVILLE — Approximately 45 people, including local dignitaries, gathered at the Duplin Commons in Kenansville to celebrate the ribbon cutting of the new Duplin County Transportation facility on Feb. 18.
County Manager Bryan Miller welcomed guests to the $4.27 million facility, highlighting its significance for the community’s growth and future.
“This state-of-the-art facility stands as a testament to our county’s dedication to progress and innovation by enhancing the efficiency and accessibility of our transportation services. Our employees and the service will significantly improve the daily lives of our residents,” said Miller. “Transportation will continue to foster economic growth and they will continue to pave a broader pathway into the future for Duplin County.”
Miller acknowledged various stakeholders in attendance, including county commissioners, local dignitaries, and transportation staff.
After an invocation by Warsaw Mayor A.J. Connors, Commissioner Dexter Edwards took to the podium, expressing gratitude for a successful project.
“It’s been a long time coming. Like a lot of other projects that we’ve had here in Duplin County, and as you can see, Duplin Commons seems to be really growing,” said Edwards. “And most of this comes from getting help from outside sources.”
He thanked the external partners, highlighting that federal funding from the Department of Transportation awarded in 2019 was crucial in making the project a reality.
Edwards recognized Duplin County Transportation Director Angel Venecia, her team, and everyone involved, noting that the facility wouldn’t have been possible without the combination of external grants and local teamwork. He also emphasized the importance of public transportation in improving access to essential services like medical care and education.
“If my records are correct, y’all logged over 42,000 trips last year; a lot of these trips are just continuing to add value to the county,” said Edwards.
Brennan Fuquay, director of NCDOT Integrated Mobility Division, was next to address the crowd, praising the facility’s modern design and functionality. Fuquay stressed the project’s importance for the community.
“This facility isn’t just a building. It’s a hub for progress. It’s a place that can ensure our community members have access to reliable, safe, and efficient transportation. With over 4,000 square feet of space, this new facility includes more office space for the transit workers, a conference and training room… and also plenty of room for future expansion,” said Fuquay, adding that practical features like the covered parking and the wash bay for keeping the transit vehicles clean will enhance daily operations.
Fuquay acknowledged the resilience of Duplin County’s transit system, which has rebounded from a significant decline in ridership during the COVID-19 pandemic. Duplin County is one of the few rural counties that has not only recovered but is now seeing growth in ridership.
“We’ve now reached more ridership than what we had pre-COVID. And we’re one of the few counties that can say they were averaging 36,000 before COVID, and now we’re [at 42,000], as was mentioned before. This is such a testament to the resilience of the transit system here,” said Fuquay. “Running a transit agency is not easy. It requires dedication, coordination, and unwavering commitment to the community.”
Fuquay reflected on the broader importance of public transportation in supporting families and strengthening the community.
“The impact you make goes beyond the numbers — It changes lives. For individuals who rely on it to get to work, to get to school, or to their medical appointments, transit is essential. For families, it means the ability to support loved ones, to pursue opportunities, and be part of a thriving community,” said Fuquay.
Venecia expressed gratitude for everyone who played a role in bringing the new public transportation facility to life in Duplin County, emphasizing the collaborative effort required to make it a reality. She thanked the Federal Transit Administration for providing funding and the Department of Transportation for facilitating the distribution of those funds and providing technical assistance throughout the process. She also acknowledged the support and guidance from county leadership, which helped keep the project on track and ensured long-term planning for the county’s transportation needs.
Venecia gave special thanks to Jackson Builders, who were instrumental in turning the vision for the facility into a reality, highlighting their flexibility in managing the changes and challenges that arose during the project. She emphasized how the facility will directly benefit the community by improving access to essential services, employment, and other opportunities that enhance quality of life.
She expressed excitement for the future, underscoring the dedication of the staff and their enthusiasm for the growth and opportunities that the new facility will bring to the public transportation system and the county as a whole.
The event concluded with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, refreshments, and a tour of the new facility, marking a significant milestone for Duplin County’s future progress in transportation and community development.
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