December 13, 2006
Wednesday PM

Alaska Governor Sarah Palin on Tuesday directed Department of Public Safety Commissioner, Walt Monegan, to sell the jet that was purchased by former Governor Frank Murkowski's administration over the objections of the Legislature. The Westwind II will be put up for auction on eBay.

"The purchase of the jet was impractical and unwise and it's time to get rid of it," said Governor Palin. "In the meantime, I am keeping my promise not to set foot on the jet."

Commissioner Walt Monegan said, "The jet doesn't meet the Department of Public Safety's mission profile due to the requirement for long, paved runways."

The State has successfully used eBay in the past to sell State assets, including the Bartlett, a former Marine Highways ferry, and several Public Safety aircraft. The State's surplus property disposal policy is to use eBay for high value, mobile assets because it offers the widest possible exposure for these types of sales, at a low cost.

The jet was purchased for $2,692,600 in November 2005 by the Murkowski administration. Until final sale, Governor Palin has authorized the Department of Public Safety to use the jet for suitable operational purposes.

Source of News & Photograph:

Office of the Governor
www.gov.state.ak.us

 

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