The Department of Corrections said Jan. 20 it will relocate two employee training facilities to the Highway Patrol Training Center in Oklahoma City. The moves are expected to save approximately $600,000 for the state without a reduction in services.

“In this time of budget downturn, this is going to save money in one of our most vital public safety areas – corrections,” State Sen. Anthony Sykes, R-Moore, said.

Staff at the training centers in Wilburton and Norman will be moved to other parts of the Department of Corrections.

“From a budget standpoint, the Department of Corrections is out of cash,” Justin Jones, director of the state Department of Corrections, said. “We have no other option than to look at consolidation of services with other state agencies.”