WASHINGTON (AP) - Construction of the $7 billion Metrorail extension to Dulles Airport is as much as six months behind schedule despite claims by officials that it remains on time and on budget.

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A progress report obtained by The Washington Examiner shows that the project's contractor first reported in July that it was 188 days behind schedule.

The delay means the first phase of the so-called Silver Line would open in June 2014 instead of late 2013, as promised. Officials in charge of the project declined to estimate the additional cost, but construction averages $40 million a month.

Officials say there is only $83 million left in a $300 million contingency fund established to cover unexpected expenses during the first phase, which would extend Metrorail through Tysons Corner to Reston, Va.