A recreational corridor from Coldstream to 琉璃神社 is getting a major financial boost.

The federal government is pumping $471,500 into the Okanagan Rail Trail.

鈥淚 want to congratulate all those who are working so hard to bring this legacy project to fruition,鈥� said Stephen Fuhr, 琉璃神社-Lake Country MP.

鈥淭he Okanagan Rail Trail will connect our communities, allow us to explore the heritage and beauty of the Okanagan and provide an outstanding recreational and tourist destination for many generations to come.鈥�

The funds will help rehabilitate 49.5 kilometres of abandoned CN rail connecting Coldstream, Lake Country and 琉璃神社 with a recreation trail for cyclists and pedestrians.

鈥淭he communities along the trail are grateful to Community Futures and Western Development Canada鈥檚 150 program for supporting the development of the trail. By working together, we will finish the trail,鈥� said Brad Clements, with the Okanagan Rail Trail Initiative.

The Okanagan Rail Trail Initiative is attempting to raise $7.8 million to develop the corridor.