The Honourable Terry French, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, today announced that heritage organizations in the St. John's South area have received $68,980 in operational and project support through the province's Cultural Economic Development Program (CEDP).

Minister French noted the Railway Coastal Museum, located on the west end of Water Street in St. John's, has received $49,160 to assist with its day-to-day operations, while the Chapel Restoration Committee in Blackhead has received a total of $19,780 — $18,780 to undertake a genealogical project, and $1,000 in operational support.

"The funding of the Railway Coastal Museum benefits both residents of this province and visitors who wish to learn more about the truly unique history of the railway in Newfoundland and Labrador," said Minister French. "Similarly, the Chapel Restoration Committee in Blackhead is dedicated to preserving and documenting that community's heritage, as is evidenced by its restoration of the 129-year-old Anglican chapel in the community."

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

"I am delighted to see additional funding provided to these valuable heritage sites," said Mr. Osborne. "The importance of preserving the one-room church and schoolhouse in Blackhead for both tourists and future generations, as well as the significant role the railway station played for generations in this region, is recognized through the Provincial Government's continued support of these sites."

The 2010 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.

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 and application guidelines, visit: www.tcr.gov.nl.ca/tcr/heritage/cedp/index.html

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