A funding announcement from the Federal government will help in the revitalization of Nelson's historic Canadian Pacific Rail building.

Since 2004 the Chamber of Commerce has been hoping to turn the old station into a new, regional tourist information center.

That hope came closer to reality on July 17 when Colin Mayes, Member of Parliament for Okanagan - Shuswap, came to Nelson to announce that the feds would contribute $100,000 to the project from its Western Economic Diversification fund. The fund helps communities move away from a resource-based economy.

"The mountain pine beetle infestation has had a tremendous impact on forestry-dependant communities across British Columbia," Mayes said. "Today's investment will support the community's efforts to strengthen Nelson tourism, create new opportunities and honour our province's history. "

He said the CP rail station project is exactly the type of "shovel ready" work the government was looking to support.

"It will have long-term benefit to the local economy," Mayes said. "We can build all the highways and bridges through the Kootenay, but what use are they unless they're bringing tourists through the region?"

Chamber of Commerce President Cal Renwick said he was really pleased with the announcement.

"It's a good day for Nelson," he said. "Now there is no doubt this project will go forward."

When the revitalization is complete, the restored heritage building will feature an interactive display for tourists to get a taste of what they'll see exploring the region. It will also have a 125-seat threatre for the Selkirk College Theatre Arts program and house office space for the Chamber of Commerce and other businesses.

"This is something the Kootenay has been looking forward to for a number of years," said Renwick, noting that the building is one of the few remaining vacant historic buildings that could be used for such a project.

The building's location at the foot of Baker Street, near Cottonwood Falls, is ideal for such a project because it's one of the first places tourists drive past when coming east through Nelson. But right now there isn't much to see there.

"That part of town is looking pretty dilapidated," said Renwick. "This will really help make it into a place people will notice and want to stop.

"It will be a big improvement over our current tourist centre, which can be difficult for people to find."

Mayor John Dooley also noted his appreciation for the new funding.

"This is a real opportunity for Nelson and regional tourism as a whole," Dooley said. "I want to thank the federal government for moving this forward."