The Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, today announced a total of $51,375 in operational support for two heritage-related organizations in the St. John�s South area.

The Railway Coastal Museum, located in the original 1903 Riverhead station at the west end of Water Street in St. John�s, has received $50,081 in operational support through the department�s Cultural Economic Development Program (CEDP), while the Chapel Restoration Committee in Blackhead has been provided with $1,294 for its continued operations.

"Both of these investments recognize the importance of preserving and presenting our history for both present and future generations," said Minister Jackman. "From large organizations such as the Railway Coastal Museum � which cover broad, provincial historical themes � to small, community-based committees such as the one in Blackhead, CEDP funding is designed to ensure the province�s heritage is recognized and celebrated."

Tom Osborne, MHA for St. John�s South, welcomed the investments.

"This funding for the railway museum is beneficial to the people of Newfoundland and Labrador as it gives residents and visitors the opportunity to learn about the railway and keep the railway story alive," said Mr. Osborne. "I am also pleased to see continued operational support to the Chapel Restoration Committee in Blackhead, which has dedicated a great deal of time and effort towards the restoration and preservation of a valuable historic structure."

The Chapel Restoration Committee in Blackhead owns the 129-year-old St. Joseph�s Chapel in the community. The small wooden chapel was restored in 2000 and designated as a Registered Heritage Structure by the Heritage Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador that same year.

The 2008 Cultural Economic Development Program is providing $1.15 million for operational and project support to the heritage sector, and about $1.2 million to the professional arts sector, for a total of more than $2.3 million.

For more information on the CEDP program and application guidelines, visit: www.tcr.gov.nl.ca/tcr/services_programs/cedp/heritage/

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