U.S. Rep. Nick J. Rahall (D-WV) was successful in obtaining $150,000 in federal investments in the Fiscal Year 2007 Interior Appropriations bill for the rehabilitation of the John Henry Historical Park in Talcott, W.Va. The bill, which represents the first hurdle in securing funding, passed the U.S. House of Representatives on Thursday.

"I am pleased to assist in the construction of the John Henry Historical Park," Rahall said. "This project is much more than just a tourist destination. It has an enormous cultural heritage component that is important to the entire nation."

The John Henry Historical Park is a project Rahall believes is important to the continued tourism development efforts of all of southern West Virginia, and it is a project on which he has focused effort for the past several years.

Beginning in 1996, Rahall assisted in having the U.S. Postage Stamp featuring John Henry unveiled in Talcott during the 1st John Henry Days Festival. And working with the Summers County Commission and the John Henry Historical Park leadership Rahall secured the $110,000 in funding to purchase the 26 acres in land from the CSX Corporation. The park site is comprised of more than 26 acres stretching from the mouth of the Great Bend Tunnel east to the CSX rail crossing at Dillon's sore in Talcott.

"John Henry Park has the potential to become a shining star in the brightening constellation we are molding in southern West Virginia," Rahall said. "The Summers County Commission is doing a great job in the planning and development of the park and it will be a great addition to the area."

During the past year, Rahall has worked with both federal and state officials on the issue of funding for this important tourism project. He has personally talked with Governor Joe Manchin to convey my full support for the Transportation Enhancement Program application that the Summers County Commission submitted requesting $128,000 for the John Henry Historical Park. If approved, these funds will be used to move the John Henry statute and the Caboose to the park area, allow for the completion of the fencing around the park, environmental and archaeological reviews, and signage and design of the gateway into the park.

Summers County Commission President Lonnie Mullins thanked Rahall for his efforts.

"Today's announcement of a $150,000 appropriation toward development of the John Henry Historic Park secured by Congressman Rahall is welcome and exciting news," Mullins said. "The announcement comes just as the county is ready to award a contract to erect safety fencing between the park boundary and the CSX railway tracks, which is necessary before actual park development can begin. The fencing is being done with funding from the Department of Transportation and the Coal Heritage Area which also came with help from Congressman Rahall and his staff. The Congressman's support of the John Henry Historic Park Project is very much appreciated by our entire community."

The legislation needs to be approved by the U.S. Senate and signed into law by the President before the funding is made official.