By JESSICA SIEFF
Niles Daily Star

The workload at the Niles Michigan State Police post just got a bit of relief.

The Michigan State Police announced last week that 28 state troopers would be recalled to duty after having been laid-off.

Seven total troopers would be back to work within the fifth district, with Niles receiving two additions at their post.

“It certainly should be a welcome addition for them,” Shannon Banner, spokesperson for the MSP said Monday.

Since 2001, Banner said 350 troopers had been laid off, stretching the force overall. A total of 100 were laid off in June of this year. Since that time, 55 had returned to work in November and following the return of the 28 troopers scheduled to return Jan. 11, only 10 would remain laid off, four others are not returning to the department.

The additions will help, Banner said, but Michigan State police remain stretched in regards to staffing. The rehire has been made possible through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Funds acquired through the program will provide for each trooper’s salary for two years – though Banner said those funds were granted under a proposal that states the positions will be able to be retained indefinitely.

State budget cuts and Michigan’s overall economy have had their effect on the department and nothing is certain, but Banner said “we’re optimistic that once we get them back, we won’t have to lay them off again.”