CHEYENNE (AP) - Regional airports across Wyoming are seeing a backlog of critical maintenance projects because of a decline in federal funding, a state official says.

The Wyoming Aeronautics Commission has compiled a list of $65 million in unfunded projects for the next two fiscal years at the state's regional airports, but commission administrator Shelly Reams said the total identified needs for Wyoming's aeronautics system are about $200 million.

Reams said federal dollars are being shifted in favor of funding nationwide security efforts. What little money is going to airports is earmarked for the most immediate, critical needs, she said.

"Our projects aren't competing as well with other projects in the region and country," Reams said, adding that is due in part to the smaller population being served in Wyoming.

In addition, while the state receives less federal money for airport projects, the cost of completing projects is escalating.

Reams said there has been an average of 200 percent inflation on projects from planning stage to completion date.

"We're falling further and further behind in just keeping up with what we have," she said.

Making the problem worse is the state's booming energy industry, which brings extra economic activity. The result is more larger, faster planes and jets that need longer runways and cause more wear and tear to the runways.

"A pothole for a car is a pothole; a pothole for an airplane is a significant safety issue," said Scott Hinderman, manager of the Cheyenne Regional Airport.

Chuck Howell, chief executive officer for Cheyenne-based Great Lakes Airlines, said his airline has seen double-digit percentage increases in traffic in almost every town in Wyoming as a result of the economic boom.

The commission has included an $18 million request in the governor's supplemental budget to help pay for critical airport projects.