Oklahoma Likely To Spend Much More For Energy

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) _ High energy prices might be a boom to Oklahoma's economy but they also mean the state's government will be spending more. <br/><br/>Officials estimate that the state will pay

Sunday, May 21st 2006, 12:33 pm

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) _ High energy prices might be a boom to Oklahoma's economy but they also mean the state's government will be spending more.

Officials estimate that the state will pay 20 to 25 percent more in fuel costs during the next fiscal year, which begins July 1st. Those estimates are included in budget requests. For example, the state Transportation Authority budgeted 1-point-2 million dollars for fuel this year. That's $200,000 more than it spent on fuel during the 2005 fiscal year.

As the state Legislature works on a budget agreement during the current session's final days, Senator Johnnie Crutchfield of Ardmore says the issue of rising gas prices on state agencies will be examined.

If fuel costs continue to rise, state officials say that the government will have to watch spending in other areas to try and make ends meet.