Dec. 13 (Bloomberg) -- A $2.7 million private jet purchased by former Alaska Governor Frank Murkowski's administration without permission from lawmakers will be sold on EBay Inc., his successor announced.

Governor Sarah Palin ordered the state's Department of Public Safety to put the Westwind II jet, made by Israel Aircraft Industries Ltd., up for sale on the auction Web site. Palin said state law enforcement officials may use the jet to transport prisoners until it's sold.

Palin, 42, who took office on Dec. 4, beat first-term Murkowski, 73, in the state's Republican primary last August after Murkowski slashed benefits to elderly residents to help fill a budget deficit. He then purchased the jet for his official travels even though lawmakers had refused to provide him one.

``The purchase of the jet was impractical and unwise and it's time to get rid of it,'' Palin said in a statement. ``In the meantime, I am keeping my promise not to set foot on the jet.''

The state has used EBay in the past. It sold a 1,500-ton ferry for $389,500 in August 2003.

To contact the reporters on this story: Michael B. Marois in Sacramento at mmarois@bloomberg.net.

Last Updated: December 13, 2006 14:39 EST