A recently negotiated contract for vehicle emissions and safety inspection station management services will save the state approximately $1 million annually and could save vehicle owners nearly $5.5 million.

Parsons Commercial Technology Group, Inc., a provider of auto emissions management programs, has been contracted to oversee privately owned safety and emissions inspection stations in the 25 counties where emissions testing is required.

Beginning Oct. 9, the new contract reduces the program management fee paid by station owners for each initial emission test from the current $2.40 to $1.47. With more than 5.7 million tests administered each year, this is a projected savings of $5.3 million.