Nearly $4 million in federal stimulus funds is being put to work in Chapel Hill.

The bulk of that is going to the transit, parks and recreation, and public housing departments.

Chapel Hill transit, one of the largest system's in the state, has received $2.7 million to help with multiple projects. Stephen Spade, Transit Director, said they are purchasing two replacement buses, eight vehicles to assist those with special needs, and will be adding lighting to bus stop shelters.

"We're all about service dependability and quality and the more modern your fleet and the better your maintenance effort, the better the service is to the public," said Spade.

The public housing department is receiving more than $700,000 to make some upgrades at South Roberson Apartments which residents said is much needed.

"I'm pleased to see it coming here," said Augustus Roscoe, South Roberson Apartments resident. "Pleased to see the money going to good use in times like this in this economic crisis."

There are also funds to help with a trail building project to give the public access to Merritt Pasture, open green space southwest of Fordham Boulevard.

Ken Pennoyer, Chapel Hill's Business Management Director, said being able to complete all these projects quickly because of federal money is an important boost for the town.

"It gives us the opportunity to do things that would have taken us much longer to do or would not have gotten done," Pennoyer said.

Most of the projects will be completed in the next 12 months. The town is currently applying for additional grants that could bring in another $4 million.