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The Ottawa Central Railway has government funds in hand and soon will begin a track improvement project. Well, almost in hand. Yesterday, the short line's owner Quebec Railway Corp. received a ceremonial check from the Canadian and Quebec governments for more than $1.5 million, which will help fund the $2.4 million project.

During the next five years, the federal government will provide $948,000, Quebec government will provide $632,000 and Ottawa Central Railway will fund more than $789,000 for the project, which calls for upgrading more than 22 miles of track to increase carrying capacity.

"In addition to helping the railway upgrade to North American standards, the contribution by the two governments along with the private investment will ensure that this infrastructure can continue to play its essential role for regional shippers," said Quebec Railway Corp. President Marc Laliberté in a prepared statement.