(Washington, DC) Mayor Anthony A. Williams praised Dan Tangherlini, his director of the DC Department of Transportation (DDOT) for his new appointment as interim general manager of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA). Tangherlini was appointed director of the new DDOT in November 2002, having served as acting director of the former division of transportation in the Department of Public Works (DPW) from May 2000.

"Dan has served the District with excellence and unfailing loyalty during his tenure as DDOT director," said Mayor Williams. "He has played a vital role in turning the District's transportation program completely around and transforming the streets of our city. It is amazing what he and his team have accomplished in a short period of time. The District has seen nearly half of its streets repaved and our bridges have gone from among the worst ratings to one of the nation's best. We owe this to Dan and the legacy that he leaves with us."

Mayor Williams continued, "Dan's presence at WMATA gives the District a key ally and familiar face and will be invaluable to the city for years to come. In addition, I'm proud that the Virginia and Maryland board members at WMATA were impressed enough with our DDOT that they felt confident to appoint Dan, on an interim basis, to run this region's metro system."

Under Tangherlini the District's Department of Transportation was successful in aggressively marketing the Mayor's Anacostia Waterfront Initiative and key bridge improvements at South Capitol and 11th Streets to the Congressional transportation funding committees, securing the fourth largest increase in federal highway funds apportioned to the state over the course of the bill.