The Dulles Metrorail Project will receive a $77 million infusion of stimulus cash, federal officials announced Thursday, speeding up work to connect Metro to the region’s only international airport.

The money from the $787 billion stimulus package will give the 23-mile rail extension’s first leg an early, upfront payment. While the money doesn’t increase the federal government’s $900 million commitment to Dulles Rail, it will shave between $10 million and $20 million in financing costs off the initial phase’s price tag.