GREENVILLE, N.C. - The Greenville City Council during its November 13, 2017 meeting voted unanimously to name the Greenville Transportation Activity Center for U.S. Representative G.K. Butterfield, a move that recognizes the congressman's efforts to secure funding for the project.

The $7.194 million project, which will be located on South Pitt Street and Bonners Lane, will provide a centrally located transfer facility where local and regional transportation services can connect. Nearly all funding for the GTAC is provided through Federal transportation grants with local funds covering the remainder of the costs, approximately $800,000. Butterfield played a significant role in obtaining the Federal funds, according to Greenville Mayor Kandie Smith.

"We are grateful for the assistance that Congressman Butterfield provided as we attempted to get funding for this much-needed project," Smith said. "The GTAC will benefit our community for years to come, and naming it after the congressman will serve as a reminder of who played a vital role in making it a reality."

The unanimous vote gives staff direction to move forward with the City's procedure for naming facilities.

"Congressman G.K. Butterfield secured 90 percent of the funding," Barr said when making the motion. "So I would like to move that GTAC be named after Congressman G.K. Butterfield."

The Greenville Area Transit system (GREAT bus system), Pitt Area Transit (PATS), ECU Transit, and Greyhound will each utilize the GTAC for connections along with taxis and Amtrak. Airport, medical, and hotel shuttles could potentially locate there as well with future rail service also a possibility. The GTAC will be ADA-compliant throughout with elements such as elevators, ramps, kneeling buses, and hearing loops which will allow those who require a hearing aid to be able to better hear announcements in the lobby and conference rooms.

Construction is expected to be completed on the 9,500 square foot facility in the spring of 2018.