Speakers today lauded former United Congressman G.K. Butterfield as a portion of Interstate 95 from the Virginia line to exit 173 was named in his honor.
Hopkins
“These types of events are some of the most rewarding things that I get to do as secretary,” North Carolina Secretary of Transportation Joey Hopkins told the audience at Weldon Mills Theatre. “While our hearts, minds and prayers have been focused on the devastation left by Helene in western North Carolina, I am glad we can take a short break for this special occasion.”
During his tenure as a congressman, Butterfield was a friend to NCDOT, Hopkins said. “After Hurricane Florence in 2018 he rolled up his sleeves and organized a partnership meeting with the department in support of historically underutilized businesses. His leadership during that disaster helped our recovery efforts. He has served as an unofficial advisor to the department executive staff on a number of occasions.”
He also proved to be an ally to transportation in other ways, the secretary said. “He was instrumental in securing a $10 million grant to improve a historical section of 301 in Wilson. This grant provided most of the funding for a nearly $14 million construction project that provided a much needed facelift to this corridor.”
Before he left office, Hopkins said Butterfield helped champion the bipartisan infrastructure law which helps the department fund various projects including those in more underserved and rural areas. “I do think it’s appropriate that we’re dedicating to him eight miles along I-95 in Northampton and Halifax counties. This is a vital corridor in our state for commerce, for freight, for tourism and even for our military. Each day about 45,000 vehicles travel through Roanoke Rapids on this interstate. Moving goods and people safely and efficiently is at the core of what we do at DOT. Improving the lives of North Carolinians has been the core of Congressman Butterfield and also his lifelong mission. This dedication is well-deserved and much overdue.”
Tyner
Charles Tyner, chair of the Northampton County Board of Commissioners, asked the audience where would the county be without Butterfield. “Today we are are honoring a person who has made a difference in Northampton County.”
That difference has come through water and other improvements. “Northampton County is now blessed because our fund balance is now is better than it’s ever been in the history of the county.”
And then there was money for a new courthouse in the county, Tyner said. “It’s all paid for through state money and federal money.”
Bryant
Halifax County Board of Commissioners Chairman Vernon Bryant said, “Congressman Butterfield has done so much for Halifax County. In recognition of his many contributions to our county, our district, our state and our country, the Halifax County Board of Commissioners was so proud to honor him on October 2, 2023 designating that as G.K. Butterfield Day in Halifax County.”
Bryant said, “G.K. understands very well the challenges and opportunities facing rural, agricultural eastern North Carolina communities. G.K. has worked his entire career and has championed issues that have moved the rails in rural communities in economic development, education, clean energy, voting rights, affordable healthcare and many other issues affecting the wellbeing and the livelihood of Halifax County citizens and beyond.”
Johnson
Halifax County Commissioner Carolyn Johnson spoke about Butterfield’s work on her late husband’s case after he wrongly lost the county commissioners race and a lawsuit that became Johnson v Halifax County was born. That lawsuit changed the configuration of the board — three district commissioners and three at-large commissioners. “As you know, Congressman Butterfield is a supporter of civil rights … If it had not been for Congressman Butterfield I would have not been on the board of county commissioners, my husband would not have been on the board of county commissioners and I dare say right now we have one of the most racially diversified boards in the state of North Carolina. And that’s all because of his hard work.”
Davis
Congressman Don Davis, who now represents the First Congressional District, said, “When I think about this man here, it takes me back to my grandmother. My grandmother would always tell me that a good name will carry you a long way. To my friend, G.K., your good name has carried eastern North Carolina a long way.”
Stein
North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein, who is running for governor, first thanked Hopkins for his work in western North Carolina. “I want to thank you as the leader of the department of transportation for all that you are doing.”
Stein called Butterfield a friend and mentor. He first learned of Butterfield through his parents. Stein's father practiced civil rights law with Julius Chambers and James Ferguson to form an integrated law firm. “It took leaders like G.K. Butterfield to stand up for what is right.”
The attorney general said that Johnson v Halifax County recognized that voter suppression was taking place in Halifax County as recently as the 1980s. “I’m privileged to have grown up learning from examples of my father and of civil rights leaders and lawyers like G.K. Butterfield. Whether it was G.K.’s practice as an attorney or his years on the superior court bench or on the supreme court of North Carolina or his service as our United States representative in Washington, G.K. has spent his entire career lifting people up and advancing our state and nation’s promise of liberty and justice for all.”