State officials on Thursday honored a former congressman for Rowan County by naming a portion of Interstate 85 in his honor.

The State Board of Transportation passed a resolution naming a portion of I-85 in Guilford County for former Congressman Howard Coble, who died on Nov. 3, 2015. Coble, a Republican from Greensboro, represented the 6th Congressional District for 30 years. He represented a portion of Rowan County as the 6th District representative.

In Guilford County, a portion of I-85 from Interstate 40 to Alamance Church Road will be named the Congressman J. Howard Coble Highway.

Coble also served in the NC General Assembly for a number of years. He was also a veteran of the U.S. Coast Guard and Coast Guard Reserve, an assistant federal prosecutor and state revenue secretary.

Commenting on the state board of transportation’s action, Gov. Pat McCrory said he was proud North Carolina could honor Coble.

“Howard Coble was an amazing congressman who set the standard for sincerity, hard work and honesty in public service,” McCrory said. “I considered him a mentor and friend. Most importantly, he was a tireless advocate for his constituents.”