Hamilton public transit gets $36.2M for 13 new projects

The provincial and federal governments have announced that Hamilton will see 13 new projects worth more than $36 milliondesignedto improve the city's public transit system.

The $36 millionfrom the from the federal government's public transit infrastructure fund will cover half the cost of the projects, according to theMinister of Infrastructure and Communities office. A Public Works spokesperson told CBC News the city would pay the remaining balance with money from the city's budget, but the decision isstill pending approval.

The largest chunk of that money will go to a new maintenance and storage facility that will cost upwards of$14 million.

The city will also see16 new buses addedand the refurbishing of bus stops and shelters across the city.

The announcement was madeFriday morning in Hamilton by Burlington's KarinaGould, minister of democratic institutions.

As part of the investment, 12 municipalities including Hamilton, Burlington, St.CatharinesandGuelphwill receive $69.2 million in federal funding to cover the cost of the projects.

Public transit has been a hot-topic issue in Hamilton this week, with city council in the midst of debating whether or not to approvethe $1billion LRT system.

The provincial and federal governmentannounced a $1.48 billion investment on Fridaythat will help fund 120 transit projects across Ontario.

• Hamilton councillors debate LRT for 13 hours, then delay approving major changes
• Hamilton's LRT in 21 pictures: How the engineers imagine it will loo

• The short, tumultuous life of Hamilton's Bay Street LRT stop

The projects are part of the 312 projects announced by Prime Minister Trudeau today. In his announcement, the prime minister acknowledged the importance of public transit to Canadians while announcing federal funding for major GO Transit Regional Express Rail projects across the GTHA. The projects aim to shorten commutes, decrease air pollution and allow Canadians to spend more time with their families, according to a press release.

Gould said the investment is one that will benefit Hamiltonians in the years to come.

"Canadians today and into the future will benefit from the projects announced today, which will provide Hamiltonians with affordable and efficient public transit infrastructure."