JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — The state Department of Finance and Administration has asked legislative budget writers for $250,000 in the next fiscal year to maintain two jets used by state officials.

DFA director Kevin Upchurch tells The Clarion-Ledger that $175,000 would be spent to renovate the state's Cessna Citation.

He says another $19,000 would go to train a mechanic after the state's longtime mechanic retired this year.

Upchurch says the new mechanic will undergo specialized training for the Cessna and the Beechcraft King Air. The state is contracting mechanical work out until the position is filled.

About $30,000 is needed to cover scheduled maintenance and inspection fees for both planes.

The state purchased the Citation in 2005. The King Air was purchased in 2001.

Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.