Cheaper fuel, smaller cars saved Ohio $7M in 2009

COLUMBUS (AP) — Ohio officials say a drop in fuel prices drove a $6.8 million drop in state vehicle costs last year.

The Ohio Department of Administrative Services says state employees also helped out the bottom line by using smaller vehicles and covering less miles.

The department’s report says a $5.3 million dip in spending on fuel for state vehicles added up to most of the savings.

The report also noted that state employees drove 6.25 million fewer miles in their personal cars last year.

Plus, the state increased the use of environmentally friendly alternative biofuels for the second year in a row.