DES MOINES, IOWA (AP) -- Budget cuts have left the Iowa State Patrol with the fewest number of troopers since the 1960s.
The state patrol now has 379 uniformed officers. That's the lowest level in 46 years despite a 150 percent increase in traffic volume during that period.
Less than 10 years ago, the patrol had about 450 troopers.
Gov. Chet Culver has proposed spending up to $50 million annually on the patrol from a fund now dedicated to road work, but some groups oppose that plan and it's fate in the Legislature is unclear.
(Copyright ©2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
TV Station Profiles & Public Inspection Files forKTVO