ACT snags $440m in infrastructure spending

The ACT got just $440 million from the federal government's $70 billion infrastructure pie, but the nation capital's arts and cultural centres did get a boost.

The federal government says infrastructure spending in the ACT includes delivering on a $3 million election promise to widen the Monaro Highway and tipping in $67 million for a light rail line in the heart of Canberra.

More than $48 million will be spent over three years on supporting Australia's national cultural collections, many of which are in Canberra.

The National Gallery of Australia, National Portrait Gallery, National Film and Sound Archive and Old Parliament House museum will share in a $8.2 million funding pie for core services and programs at a variety of cultural institutions.

Old Parliament House's Museum of National Democracy will also receive $13.6 million to upgrade the 90-year-old building's lighting, plumbing, technology and exhibition spaces.

The National Film and Sound Archive receives $4 million for capital works programs and new equipment to protect its collections.