Although welcoming the boost to infrastructure spending, some municipal leaders are giving Tuesday's federal budget mixed reviews.

Jean Perrault, president of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and mayor of Sherbrooke, Que., praised the budget and the allocation of $4 billion to upgrade existing infrastructure.

"FCM strongly supports the federal government's commitment to invest significant new dollars in infrastructure projects that will put Canadians to work in 2009 and 2010," he said in a statement.

But he cautioned that many cities and towns have already set their infrastructure budgets for 2009 and would be hard-pressed to come up with even more cash if it's demanded by Ottawa.

"I think the three levels of government have to work together to find solutions to put people to work," Perrault told the Canadian Press. "But there are a lot of details to consider."

'Money will flow very slowly'

The budget revealed that about $12 billion in new money would be set aside for roads, bridges, railways, universities, recreation centres and other infrastructure over the next two years.

The federal government is promising $4 billion over the next two years for projects beginning construction in the 2009 and 2010 building seasons. The government said it would approve provincial, territorial and municipal projects, and cover up to 50 per cent of eligible costs.

But Toronto Mayor David Miller criticized the budget for creating a time-consuming application process for municipalities, in which "money will flow very slowly, if at all."

"Municipalities are already investing in infrastructure," Miller told CBC News from Toronto. "We were hoping our federal partner would support us by investing in the projects we're already doing, so we can expedite them."

That concern was shared by Edmonton Mayor Stephen Mandel. While Mandel was pleased to see more money for infrastructure, arts and recreation centres, he raised questions about how the money will be handed out.

"It's exciting. There's going to be $12 billion for infrastructure," he said. "But I don't know what the terms and conditions of it are. There's concerns about the flow of money: What are the terms and conditions of it? How much do we have to put into it?

"Is it going to be directed a lot more towards eastern Canada, because maybe they have a few more problems than we do?"

'Much to like'

Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson said he was disappointed there wasn't more money for new social housing units and transportation. But he praised Prime Minister Stephen Harper for giving a boost to infrastructure projects.

"We look forward to seeing those infrastructure dollars flow to Vancouver this year," Robertson said.

Robertson said the city currently has around $120 million available for bridge, water and sewer upgrades in the next year.

Calgary Mayor Dave Bronconnier said there is "much to like in the budget" because it does provide a framework to deal with issues around infrastructure, affordable housing and some environmental initiatives."

"There's lots to like about it. The devil's still in the details."

Bronconnier said he was disappointed that there was nothing to address the issue of public safety.

"There's nothing identified in terms of the policing program and additional support for police, targeted gang enforcement.

"That's the only item that really jumped out at me: 'Oh, there's nothing here for that.' "

Halifax Mayor Peter Kelly said he didn't have all the details but "it appears it's going in the right direction."