2009-49
PRESS RELEASE: December 18, 2009
FROM:   The Kansas Highway Patrol
CONTACT: Technical Trooper Edna Buttler (785) 296-6800

Patrol Receives Fuel Donation from PMCA

Taxpayer dollars will be stretched thanks to PMCA's generous contribution

For the 19th consecutive year, the Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Store Association of Kansas (PMCA) has donated gasoline to the Kansas Highway Patrol to fill up patrol cars during the winter holidays. Through the Holiday Highway Safety Program, the PMCA donates fuel to the Patrol to fill up patrol cars from December 24 through January 1. The donation will be of great assistance at a time when budgets are tight and more cuts could be coming up.

"Every year PMCA has generously given us a gift of fuel so we can help provide quality service to the citizens of Kansas. This year's donation will be of great assistance as mileage has been reduced to conserve funds," Colonel Terry Maple, Superintendent of the Kansas Highway Patrol said. "The budget crisis in the state has touched everyone, both public and private entities. While PMCA has surely felt the effects of the economy, they have demonstrated their concern for travelers and Kansas families alike with this donation."

The PMCA of Kansas is a nonprofit organization for independent petroleum distributors, gasoline retailers, and convenience store owners. This year, participating members of the PMCA will graciously provide tanks of fuel or gift cards for fuel for troopers to fill up patrol vehicles.

Last year with the 59 tanks of fuel and nine, $25 gift cards provided, the Patrol was able to assist 2,662 motorists, remove 103 impaired drivers from the roadways, and issue 667 citations for occupant protection violations. The donation last year no doubt contributed to the Patrol's efforts to keep the roadways safe during the Christmas and New Year's holidays, and this year will help further safety efforts during the upcoming holiday season.