Document DD5Bx6RgV6md6BBBeq2JDNnnn

105 S. Long Street Post Office Box 339 East Spencer, North Carolina 28039 Telephone: (704) 636-7111 Fax: (704) 639-7734 Website: www.eastspencer.gov "HOME OF HERITAGE & PROMISE" Mayor Pro-Tem Curtis Cowan 105 S. Long St East Spencer, NC 28039 ccowan@eastspencer.gov (704) 636-7111 2/21/2025 The Honorable Congressman Addison McDowell 1032 Longworth House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Dear Congressman McDowell, As Mayor Pro-Tem of the Town of East Spencer and a lifelong resident of this community, I am writing to express my full support and sincere gratitude for your leadership in securing the much-needed interchange for our town. For over 70 years, East Spencer has faced significant challenges due to its isolation, and this project will be transformative for our residents and our local economy. East Spencer's poverty rate has long been higher than both the state and national averages, and our limited access to major transportation routes has played a central role in these ongoing economic struggles. As someone who has witnessed the hardships caused by this isolation firsthand, I can confidently say that the off-ramp is not just an infrastructure project--it's a lifeline for our community. The lack of connectivity has prevented East Spencer from fully participating in the broader economic landscape, and as a result, many of our residents have had fewer opportunities for work, education, and services. The off-ramp will bring much-needed access to better jobs, healthcare, and resources, giving our residents the opportunities they deserve. This is a monumental step toward breaking the cycle of poverty and creating a foundation for long-term prosperity. I am deeply grateful for your advocacy and the time you've invested in ensuring East Spencer's needs are heard and addressed. Your leadership in championing this project will create positive change for generations to come, and I am proud to stand with you in support of this initiative. Thank you once again for your unwavering commitment to our community. We are eager to see the positive impacts this off-ramp will bring to our town and the surrounding area. Sin rely. Curtis Cowan Mayor Pro-Tern Town of East Spencer OST-2025-1200 Page 01312 Sierra Club v. Dept. of Transp. - 3:25-cv-06221 SC_EVERSPLIT0024499