A $300 million, 100-mile Interstate loop proposal to connect airports, medical centers, industry and college campuses in eastern North Carolina was recognized by state legislators last week as a way to promote regional growth.

Developed by Greenville Mayor Allen Thomas, the highway system is being branded as the foundation of “Quad East,” a cooperative network of communities united to give the coastal plain a competitive economic advantage, much like the alliances formed in the Piedmont Triad, Research Triangle and Charlotte Metro areas.

The Greenville City Council plans to take the lead on Thursday by passing a resolution in support of the measure, with the hope that municipalities and boards of commissioners in Pitt, Greene, Lenoir, Wilson, Nash and Wayne counties will follow in March and April.

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