State Transportation Secretary To Step Down

State Secretary of Transportation Richard Davey is stepping down from his post at the end of the month.

Gov. Deval Patrick announced the departure of Davey on Friday, calling him one of the finest transportation leaders the state has ever had.

Patrick said highway administrator Frank DePaola will serve as acting secretary for the remainder of the governor's term, which ends in January.

Davey served as general manager of the MBTA before being appointed to the cabinet-level post in September 2011.

Last year he helped lead the push for a transportation financing law that could pave the way for several major projects including South Coast rail.

He told The Boston Globe he plans to travel before looking for a new job in the private sector.