Topeka ? An announcement of the short list of possible sites for a $450 million biodefense laboratory probably will be made in early to mid-July, officials said.

Kansas is in the running for the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility.

The proposed Kansas sites are in Leavenworth and Manhattan. There are 15 other proposed sites in 10 other states also vying for the federal project.

An announcement of a short list of three to five sites was expected by the end of June. But federal and state officials say that will probably occur in early to mid-July.

Department of Homeland Security officials have said the June date was merely an estimated time.