TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) -- Gov. Sam Brownback is demanding that the Kansas Bioscience Authority submit to a financial audit.

Brownback wrote to the authority's board and top officials Thursday giving them until Friday to respond.

The Bioscience Authority provides tax dollars to emerging biotech firms.

Authority officials have acknowledged publicly that the Johnson County district attorney's office is investigating its operations. However, they've said they're not concerned because they believe the inquiry is linked to legislative criticism they consider unwarranted.

But Brownback has said he's concerned. In his letter, he also demanded that the authority allow a team led by his secretary of agriculture to examine the authority's books.

Authority chief executive officer Tom Thornton did not immediately respond to a telephone message seeking comment Friday.

Copyright 2011 The AP.