High gas prices making an impact on state agencies

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) The Department of Public Safety may be running out of money because of rising gas prices.<br/> <br/>Public Safety Commissioner Kevin Ward says if gas prices stay at their current level,

Thursday, March 31st 2005, 5:47 am

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) The Department of Public Safety may be running out of money because of rising gas prices.

Public Safety Commissioner Kevin Ward says if gas prices stay at their current level, his agency will have a deficit of $400,000.00 for the fiscal year that ends June 30th.
Ward says officials are looking for options to make up the deficit, but that he hopes to avoid furloughing officers.

He says about 800 Oklahoma Highway Patrol troopers are on the road each day, making arrests, responding to emergencies and acting as a deterrent.

According to the American Automobile Association, the average price for a gallon of regular gasoline yesterday in Oklahoma City was $2.06, ranging up to $2.25 for premium. The average price of regular was a $1.81 a month ago and a $1.60 a year ago on the same date.