A state budgetary panel has approved a request from the Ohio State Highway Patrol to purchase a roughly $4 million helicopter after the agency cited increased demand and maintenance of its two helicopters.

Patrol spokesman Lt. Craig Cvetan says the aircraft are a vital resource to ensuring Ohio's public safety. He says they often perform critical and time-sensitive missions for the patrol and other local, state and federal agencies.

Cvetan says both helicopters have been down for maintenance during times when there were calls for service, though he could not provide specifics.

The state's Controlling Board approved the patrol's purchasing request Monday afternoon.

The state recently spent $9.6 million on two new aircraft for the governor and other state leaders to use for travel around Ohio on official business.

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