Prime Minister Stephen Harper says his government will spend $5.8 billion on federal infrastructure improvements, including $500 million for on-reserve schools.

The lion's share of the spending will go for improvements to historic sites, national parks and national marine conservation areas.

Harper is also earmarking $452 million to improve Canadian Forces facilities, $440 million for replacing border infrastructure and about $400 million to upgrade and build federal government buildings.

Federally owned and operated airports and Via Rail will get $204 million for improvements, while $191 million will go to renew and repair heritage sites and museums.

Money is also going to federal labs and research facilities and small-craft harbours.

The Canadian Coast Guard and Fisheries Canada will get $183 million to repair existing vessels and buy new ones.

Harper calls these necessary federal infrastructure projects.