New Director For Clean Air Programs Appointed
Carl J. Passeri, a licensed professional engineer with more than 25 years experience in project management, engineering and construction, has been appointed Director for Clean Air Programs for the Department of Transportation, officials announced today.
Passeri, who begins work on Monday, February 1, will oversee the ongoing program to implement an enhanced vehicle emissions testing system in New Jersey. He replaces Timothy F. McGough, who is leaving the NJDOT for a position in the private sector.
"Mr. Passeri’s demonstrated ability to manage and oversee construction projects will serve us well as work progresses on converting the state’s inspections stations to perform the enhanced emissions test," said Transportation Commissioner James Weinstein. "The team of NJDOT and contractor personnel who have been working on this project remains in place. With their continuing commitment and Carl’s leadership, I fully expect the state to meet the December 1999 deadline for starting enhanced emissions testing."
The state hired Parsons Infrastructure and Technology Group Inc. to convert and operate the 35 central inspection stations and construct a communications system connecting licensed private inspection garages with the NJDOT database. As of today, four of the central inspection stations have either been converted or are undergoing construction. Construction is scheduled to begin at an additional four inspection stations in February.
"I come here clearly recognizing that the federal mandate to have an enhanced vehicle emissions testing program must be met," Passeri said. "I have managed projects that involved retrofitting existing facilities and I know firsthand the myriad of issues that can arise during the course of construction. Getting the enhanced emissions testing system finished on time is a task that I look forward to meeting."
Passeri, 52, of Marlton, has worked for private sector engineering firms during his career.
McGough, who became Executive Director for Clean Air Programs in June 1998, is leaving state service to join the engineering firm Schoor DePalma of Manalapan. He previously served as Deputy State Transportation Engineer/Director of Project Management and was employeed by the NJDOT for 18 years. He is a licensed professional engineer.
C. Richard Kamin, Director of the Division of Motor Vehicles, worked closely with McGough and praised his efforts to advance the enhanced emissions testing project.
"Tim’s guidance during the period following contract award has laid the groundwork for successfully completing this project," Kamin said. "The efforts prior to the first shovel being put into the ground are critical to any project. The successful conversion to the two-year inspection cycle in October and the smooth transition from state to private operation of the inspection stations in November are two major milestones in this project that Tim accomplished.
"As we moved toward the start of construction, Tim established the organizational structure that united the state and Parsons into a cohesive team focused on this project," Kamin added. "Reporting structure, lines of communication, and a work plan are critical elements that need to be in place for any complex project to proceed. Tim has established these elements and he leaves us on a sound footing for finishing the job. I want to thank him for his fine work and say he will be missed. We wish him well in his future endeavors."
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