Heritage organizations in the Burin-Placentia West region of the province have received a total of $23,110 in operational support through the province's Cultural Economic Development Program.

"The Provincial Government is providing $16,700 to the Burin Heritage Tourism Association to support heritage-related projects such as the operation of the Burin Heritage House and the community's museum, and a further $6,410 to the Marystown Heritage Museum Corporation to assist in covering the costs of their day-to-day operations," said the Honourable Terry French, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation. "We recognize the importance of community-based heritage organizations, and the people who devote their time and energies to ensuring the cultural heritage of their region is preserved and appropriately presented to residents and visitors alike."

The 2010 Cultural Economic Development Program (CEDP) is providing $1.27 million for operational and project support to the heritage sector, and about $1.2 million to the professional arts sector, for a total of almost $2.5 million.

"The Burin Heritage Tourism Association and the Marystown Heritage Museum provide numerous services to local communities and to visitors who travel to the area," said the Honourable Clyde Jackman, MHA for Burin-Placentia West. "I am pleased that these two groups have received funding to ensure they can continue to present our local heritage to residents and visitors and continue to contribute to tourism industry in our province."

CEDP applications are considered based on the strength of the business plans, vision and potential for development within the sector. For more information on the CEDP program for heritage organizations, and application guidelines, visit: www.tcr.gov.nl.ca/tcr/heritage/cedp/index.html

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