DOT 21-05
Contact: Robyn Boerstling, Tel.: (202) 366-4570
Thursday, February 3, 2005

Transportation Secretary Mineta Announces March Departure of RSPA Deputy Administrator Sam Bonasso

U.S. Transportation Secretary Norman Y. Mineta today announced the resignation of the Research and Special Programs Administration’s Deputy Administrator Samuel G. Bonasso, effective March 4, 2005 to pursue opportunities in the private sector. The Secretary praised Bonasso’s accomplishments and service during his two-year tenure at RSPA that included serving as Acting Administrator during part of that time period.

“Sam’s expertise in safety engineering brought tremendous value to our management team,” Secretary Mineta said. “He will be remembered for enhancing the quality of our transportation research and his dedication to transportation safety.”

Mr. Bonasso directed the Secretary's program for the President's Hydrogen Fuel Initiative, oversaw a reorganization of the Volpe Center, and helped implement the Norman Y. Mineta Research and Special Programs Reauthorization Act. This law, which was signed by President Bush on Nov. 30, 2004, reorganizes RSPA by creating two new operating administrations in the Department, the Research and Innovative Technology Administration and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration. He also helped to expand awareness of the Department’s important role in pipeline safety and the safe transport of hazardous materials, Mineta said.

-END-