JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon is defending the purchase of a new state airplane that can be used by the governor, other state officials and law enforcement officers.

Nixon says the $5.6 million airplane bought by the Missouri State Highway Patrol was a good long-term investment for law enforcement and safety.

The Democratic governor already has flown on the new King Air 250.

The patrol bought the plane with money from a fund for vehicles and aircraft. But some lawmakers are upset about the cost and the fact that the patrol did not tell them about the plane’s purchase in advance.

Senators have cited concerns about the new plane while delaying confirmation of Nixon’s appointee to head the Office of Administration.

© Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.