Topeka ? Sedgwick County authorities are expressing relief that state budget negotiators agreed to a $5 million subsidy to ease the cost of airfares in south-central Kansas.

Although the final state budget still must be approved, Wichita-area officials say the negotiators’ approval on Tuesday eases concern that the subsidy would not be included because of the state’s budget problems.

The Wichita Eagle reports that the Kansas Affordable Airfares Program had been an obstacle in budget negotiations, with some House members objecting to the subsidy.

Wichita and Sedgwick County officials say the lower airfares are crucial to attracting and retaining Wichita businesses.

The state agreed in 2006 to spend $5 million for five years to subsidize airfares in south-central Kansas, with that subsidy set to expire this year.