WASHINGTON — The planned highway to connect Fort Drum to Interstate 81 received a boost Thursday as a Senate panel approved $1 million for the project.

Sen. Charles E. Schumer, D-N.Y., announced the panel's action. The bill now proceeds to the full Senate.

Thursday's action marks one more step in lawmakers' effort to set aside as much funding as possible while the New York Department of Transportation moves toward approving the project, estimated by the state DOT to cost more than $80 million. Much of the funding will come from the state, which has begun acquiring land in advance of construction.

Cost estimates have continued to climb, but federal lawmakers have promised to squeeze every dollar possible from Washington, citing the road's importance to the military base.

"By investing these federal dollars in a new connector road we will ensure Fort Drum is adequately connected to the entire region, allowing their continued economic success to reach every corner of the north country, as well as improve the efficiency and operations of this fast-growing base," Mr. Schumer said in a press release.

The funding is part of an annual bill providing money for highway and transportation projects. It survived panel discussions that trimmed or eliminated many lawmakers' requests.

The House Appropriations Committee has yet to settle on its version. House-Senate negotiations are typical on annual spending bills, and those talks can lead to adjustments up or down on specific projects. Last year, Congress provided $800,000 for the project.