LANSING, Mich. (AP) -- An effort to cut gas use by Michigan State Police troopers that asked them to drive less to help the state save money has ended after about five months.
The effort was designed to help the state deal with a hole in its budget.
The cost-cutting program resulted in a 39 percent reduction in patrol miles driven -- or about one million miles. The program earlier had been expected to continue until at least September 30th.
The patrols are returning to normal thanks in part to $1 million in other efficiencies identified by Department of Management and Budget's Vehicle and Travel Services.
The cost-cutting move was ordered February 14th.
(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
APNP-07-28-07 1133EDT
AP-MI--State Police-Gas,0114
Michigan State Police end gas-saving mileage restriction