Plaquemine Lock State Historic Site receives Atchafalaya Legacy Grant

Funding also included for popular fall festival in Iberville Parish

A facet of the restoration work at the Plaquemine Lock State Historic Site has received funding through a state grant from the Atchafalaya National Heritage Area Legacy Grant Program.

The Plaquemine Lock Restoration Project will receive $20,000 for work that includes the design and installation of an updated exhibit, as well as a video detailing how the lock historically worked.

The Iberville Parish Swamp Life Expo, an event held in October at the Iberville Parish Visitors Center in Grosse Tete, is also listed as a funded project.

“In Louisiana, we celebrate our culture like nowhere else in the country… and you can get firsthand experience of some of that culture in the Atchafalaya National Heritage Area,” Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser said. “The goal of the grant program is further building an understanding of the area’s key stories, strengthening the sense of place, supporting a healthier ecosystem, and expanding economic opportunities for the Atchafalaya Basin.”

A grant review panel comprised of arts, culture, recreation and economic development representatives selected projects to fund based on project feasibility, sustainability and creativity. Through funding from the National Park Service, the Atchafalaya National Heritage Area will grant $105,900 in funds to the 10 projects.

“The Legacy Grant program supports projects that move the needle forward. These projects protect and enhance culture, celebrate significant stories from our history, educate the public, and preserve our natural environment for future generations,” said Atchafalaya National Heritage Area Executive Director Justin Lemoine. “The Atchafalaya NHA is thrilled to support these worthy projects and continue cultivating partnerships with the people and communities throughout the region.”

The ANHA and the National Park Service are proud to provide funding to local champions working to create powerful connections between people, culture and the environment. These grantees are instrumental in ensuring that what makes South Louisiana authentic and unique will be appreciated and passed on for generations to come.

In addition to the ANHA Legacy Grant, the ANHA Celebration Grant program provides funding for smaller projects related to cultural continuity, community engagement, and natural and recreational resource improvements.

Other funded projects include:

West Baton Rouge Museum, Sugarfest 2024.
Cajun Coast CVB, Eagle Expo – Wings to Soar
Friends of the South Louisiana Wetlands Discovery Center, Rougarou Fest Folklife Village
Broussard Chamber Foundation, Beausoleil Festival
The TECHE Project, Shake Your Trail Feather 2024
Les Deux Bayou STEAM Park, Inc., Planning for Les Deux Bayou STEAM Park
Louisiana Crafts Guild, Open Studio Acadiana
Pointe Coupee Historical Society, Travel Story GPS New Roads Main Street
Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, Freshwater Mussels of Louisiana.