TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The National Guard expects the budget for the maintenance facilities to be cut by $15 million in the next federal fiscal year starting October 1st. Those cuts will cost more than 100 Guard members in Kansas their jobs.

The head of the Kansas National Guard says officials will work closely with employees being laid off at maintenance facilities to help them find benefits and new jobs.

Major General Lee Tafanelli said Friday the facilities in Salina and at Fort Riley are among five nationwide where the Defense Department has decided to cut spending. The sites rebuild and refurbish military equipment for the Defense Department.

Tafanelli says the Salina site is expected to close in January, eliminating 45 jobs. The facility at Fort Riley will remain open but lose 58 of its 137 jobs.

Tafanelli met with employees Friday to brief them on the reductions.