For Immediate Release
November 9, 2001
Contact: Rusty Cheuvront, (502) 564-2611 or
                Mark Pfeiffer (502) 564-4890

Gov. Patton Adds Former US Attorney to Transportation Management Team

Frankfort, KY -- Governor Patton announced today the appointment of Joseph L. Famularo to the position of Deputy Secretary of Legal Affairs in the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet.  Mr. Famularo is a former United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky and has served with distinction in several positions as a prosecutor and legal advisor in various state and federal positions during his legal career.  His primary responsibilities with the Transportation Cabinet will be to oversee Cabinet legal affairs including coordination of the response by this agency to ongoing state and federal investigations.  In particular Mr. Famularo will be conducting an immediate review of all allegations involving cabinet programs.  This will include specific review of the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program.  He will also be the Cabinet’s primary point of contact with law enforcement officials, the press and the Governor’s Office on investigations related to this program and other legal matters involving the Cabinet.  Mr. Famularo will report directly to Secretary Codell and will coordinate his activities with the Governor’s Office and appropriate law enforcement officials.

Governor Patton said, “I am very pleased that Joe Famularo has agreed to accept this appointment.  He will begin his work today.  His extensive experience in law enforcement and legal administration and his expertise in criminal and civil special investigations will help insure public trust is maintained in administration of transportation programs.  We are fortunate Mr. Famularo has agreed to accept this position.  I look forward to working with him in the months ahead.”  Secretary Codell said, “I welcome the appointment of Joe Famularo and look forward to his assistance in meeting the challenges currently facing our Cabinet.”  Mr. Famularo said, “The Governor has assured me he wants me to get to the bottom of the questions raised in these ongoing investigations.  I look forward to working with Secretary Codell, the legal staff of the Cabinet and Governor Patton, and his staff in protecting our federal highway funds and transportation systems.”

Mr. Famularo is a 1964 graduate of the Loyola University where he received his bachelor’s degree and received his law degree at the University of Kentucky in 1967.  Among the legal positions he has held in this 33 year career in addition to US Attorney are Commissioner of the Department of Public Safety for the Lexington/Fayette County Urban Government, Chief Deputy Attorney General for Steven Beshear and David Armstrong for the Commonwealth of Kentucky, Deputy Federal Public Defender and Legal Advisor of the Kentucky State Police.  Mr. Famularo resides in Lexington, Kentucky. 

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