Tuesday, June 14, 2005
Contact: Jessica Robinson, (573)751-0290
Blunt’s Vehicle Purchasing Freeze Equals Big Savings at DNR
JEFFERSON CITY—Gov. Matt Blunt’s common sense reductions continue to save Missouri taxpayers millions. This year alone, the Department of Natural Resources saved more than $1 million by not purchasing any new vehicles, other than emergency response vehicles, under his direction.
"As responsible stewards of our state’s resources, state agencies must practice sound fiscal management,” Blunt said. "Forgoing these vehicle purchases is another example of how we have improved efficiency and reduced waste for Missouri citizens."
Under Blunt’s leadership, the Department of Natural Resources also greatly expanded golf cart use during peak drive time in Missouri’s 40 state park campgrounds. This measure will reduce mileage on park vehicles and help extend vehicle life.
In addition to saving dollars on vehicle replacements, the department has realized other efficiencies in its operations.
"Governor Blunt has challenged the Department of Natural Resources to speed up our permit response time in a responsible way," said DNR Director Doyle Childers. "We have cut the time it takes to issue some of our permits in half, from 14 days to seven."
The department also recently used the Internet to train more than 250 volunteers statewide in stream use attainability analysis. The department spent $3,200 on the training but saved more than $20,000 overall.
"These are only the beginning of our efforts to meet Governor Blunt’s challenge to provide a better and more efficient use of resources," Childers said.