DOT 63-09
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Contact: Jill Zuckman
Tel.: (202) 366-4570
Statement of U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood on the Departure of
Deputy Secretary Thomas J. Barrett
Tom Barrett leaves the Department of Transportation with my deepest
gratitude for all the fine work he has done here. I was delighted that he
agreed to remain in office during the transition between administrations,
and his knowledge and wisdom have proved indispensable in helping us get a
quick start on economic recovery and other urgent priorities.
In his earlier role as the first administrator of DOT’s Pipeline and
Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, Tom undertook the hard work of
organizing a new federal agency with a critical safety mission.
Tom’s work at the Department, following a 35-year Coast Guard career in
which he attained the position of Vice Commandant, adds up to a
distinguished career of service to the public – one filled with
accomplishments of which he can be proud.
I wish Tom all the best as he becomes Deputy Federal Coordinator at the
Office of the Federal Coordinator for Alaska Natural Gas Transportation
Projects. He will be missed.