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Canadian and VIA Rail Canada Inc. officials have announced a $6.5 million investment in Winnipeg’s Union Station to improve public areas, accessibility, rider amenities and the building’s exterior.

Of the total funding, $3 million comes from $923 million in Canadian government funding to VIA Rail that was appropriated in 2007 and $3.5 million comes from the 2012 budget, VIA Rail officials said in a prepared statement.

The improvements will build on $3 million worth of upgrades to the station that were completed last year, they said.

In 2007, the Canadian government announced a five-year, $516 million investment to strengthen passenger-rail services. Another $407 million was added in 2009 through the Economic Action Plan, the government’s economic stimulus program.