INDIANAPOLIS (October 17, 2005) ? Governor Mitch Daniels today announced the formation of a new division charged with the management of state-owned aircraft.

The Aviation Division will consolidate common state aircraft operations of the Indiana State Police, Indiana Department of Natural Resources and Indiana Department of Transportation. The division was created following a review of state aircraft use and operations.

?Hoosier taxpayers deserve the most cost-effective and efficient management of state resources and activities,? said Daniels. ?The consolidation of aircraft resources and administration will provide our state significant savings in maintenance, fuel, and facility costs.?

Steve Stombaugh will lead the new division as state Aviation Director. He has spent the past 20 years in aviation management and has experience in various aspects of aviation operations, including departmental administration, capital planning, and aircraft procurement.

Stombaugh will direct fleet reduction and replacement activities, to be conducted in phases, including the sale of 12 state aircraft deemed inoperable, underused, antiquated, or overly expensive to maintain. Proceeds from the sale of the aircraft will be used to fund the purchase of four replacement aircraft over upcoming years, for an eventual state aircraft fleet of 12. The current fleet is 20 aircraft.

The aviation division will be overseen by representatives of the divisions impacted by the consolidation, including the commissioners of Natural Resources and Transportation, the superintendent of the State Police, and the director of the Office of Management and Budget and the governor?s chief of staff, Harry Gonso, who will chair the group. Department of Administration Commissioner Earl Goode will facilitate early implementation of the recommendations.

Media contacts:

Jane Jankowski: Office of the Governor, 317/232-1622, jjankowski@gov.in.gov

Elizabeth Barrett: Department of Administration, 317/232-2375, ebarrett@idoa.in.gov