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FRANKFORT, Ky. — Two state-owned planes that were listed for online auction last month as part of an initiative to boost government efficiency have sold for a total of more than $231,000.

Gov. Steve Beshear announced Tuesday that a 1975 Piper Navajo sold for $190,100 while a single-engine 1967 Cessna Skylark brought $41,330.

The move is also expected to save the state $63,000 each year in maintenance and insurance costs.

“The sale of these two aircraft is another example of state government tightening its belt during this time of financial strain,” Beshear said in a press release.

Officials in the Finance and Administration Cabinet listed both planes on the eBay.com auction Website as part of the governor’s Smart Government Initiative.

The effort was launched in January 2010 in an effort to achieve cost savings and implement efficiency measures across state government.

According to the governor’s office, final prices for the planes exceeded expectations.

An auction reserve of $175,000 was posted with the Navajo, while the Cessna was listed without a reserve. The money will go into the state’s General Fund.

The planes were used for transporting prisoners, wildlife and law enforcement, drug interdiction and cabinet-level travel.

Beshear said last month that an assessment of the state’s fleet determined the craft were no longer needed.

Five planes and eight helicopters remain in the fleet, primarily for use by the Aviation Department, the Department of Natural Resources and the Kentucky Justice and Public Safety Cabinet.

The governor’s office said that more than $9 million in savings has been achieved since the Smart Government Initiative began.

“The mission … is to explore all expenditures in state government, large and small, to ensure that every limited tax dollar is used in the most efficient manner,” Beshear said.

Reporter Mike Wynn can be reached at (502) 875-5136.