Hartford (AP) — Some lawmakers have criticized the consolidation of state trooper barracks and dispatching, but Gov. Dannel P. Malloy insists the mergers are saving money.

The Journal Inquirer reports that Rep. Mae Flexer, a Killingly Democrat, told budget chief Benjamin Barnes at a recent hearing that the consolidations are not saving money and could affect public safety.

The consolidation made troops D and K in Colchester and Troop E in Montville substations of Troop C in Tolland. Dispatching for eastern Connecticut is done at Troop C and the other barracks aren't staffed at night.

The dispatch consolidations started last year with three police barracks merging in western Connecticut. State police also combined Troop W at Bradley International Airport into Troop H in Hartford, but the merger was limited by federal airport safety regulations.