(AP) — The Federal Aviation Administration has approved funding for a $1.6 million project at the Western Nebraska Regional Airport in Scottsbluff.

Airport authority directors were told at their meeting Wednesday that the FAA blamed mandatory federal budget cuts for a delay in the final approval. The FAA will pay 90 percent of the project cost.

The expansion will provide restrooms and seating for 185 more people in the security area. Airport manager Darwin Skelton says the expansion will improve the facility’s ability to be a diversionary airport for Denver International Airport.

The work is expected to begin on Sept. 1 and be finished by early next year.