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Yesterday, the Canadian government announced that several federally funded projects aimed at upgrading the Keewatin Railway Co.’s passenger-rail service have been completed. Owned by three First Nations communities, Keewatin Railway provides passenger- and freight-rail services between The Pas and Pukatawagan in northern Manitoba.

The projects included a new passenger station and loading ramp in Pukatawagan costing a total of $700,000.

Keewatin Railway currently is working on a $1.2 million maintenance shop, which is slated for completion on March 31, 2011. The project also received federal funding.

During the past two years, federal dollars have helped fund the purchase of a locomotive and new rail cars, as well as track maintenance and repairs, Keewatin Railway officials said in a prepared statement. Next year, the railroad expects to receive up to $1.6 million in federal funding for track surfacing work, bridge repairs and facility improvements.

The Canadian government provides rail funding from the Regional and Remote Passenger Rail Services Class Contribution Program, which is administered by Transport Canada.