TATE JR.

Jan. 15 The new stretch of Interstate 485 in Mecklenburg County will be named in honor of H. Allen Tate, Jr., founder of Allen Tate Co. Tate, who launched the company in 1957, has been a longtime proponent of transportation issues, serving as chair of the Charlotte Chamber’s Regional Roads Committee, the Toll Roads Solutions Committee and the most recent Committee of 21. In 2008, Tate led the charge for I-485 to be completed ahead of schedule as well as the widening of I-85 in Cabarrus County and I-485 south of Charlotte.

The Charlotte City Council and Huntersville Town Board requested the honor last fall. On Jan. 8, N.C. Department of Transportation Board Chair Ned Curran read a resolution for approval by the full board at the January NC DOT meeting.

“I have known Allen for many, many years and consider him a close friend. He has a remarkable entrepreneurial story and has certainly made significant efforts to affect transportation issues in our region,” said Curran.

“In fact, if not for Allen’s tireless commitment to see the project through, Charlotte’s outer belt probably would not be completed for many, many years.”

“For the past 50 years, there has been no greater champion than Allen Tate for the planning, funding and building of roads to meet the demands of our region’s growing population,” added Bob Morgan, Charlotte Chamber president and CEO.

Tate was told of the board’s decision by telephone.

“Truly it is a thrill for me and all the wonderful people who have worked so hard over the years. I am proud of the things that the various Chambers of Commerce in the region can achieve. I thank everybody so much,” said Tate.

Plans are in the works for a naming and opening ceremony for I-485 and the interchange at I-85.