Scalise, Delegation Introduce Legislation to Expand Atchafalaya National Heritage Area to Include Lafourche Parish

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) and members of the Louisiana delegation announced the introduction of legislation to include Lafourche Parish, La., as part of the Atchafalaya National Heritage Area (ANHA).
 
“From Cajun cuisine and Zydeco music to our bayous and abundant natural resources, Louisiana has an unparalleled culture and heritage and is home to some of the most unique and special landscapes and traditions in the world. The Atchafalaya National Heritage Area protects our region’s storied culture and resources, and I’m proud to lead the effort with my congressional delegation colleagues to ensure that Lafourche Parish – the only parish in the historic boundary area left out of the original designation – is included in this important National Heritage Area,” said Majority Leader Scalise.
 
“As the representative of the east and west boundaries of the Atchafalaya Basin, it is evident that the people and culture of Lafourche Parish are inextricably linked to the heritage of this nationally significant region that I have the honor to represent. We were proud to author the reauthorization of the Atchafalaya National Heritage Area last year, and it is rewarding that colleagues from all parts of the state have come together to embrace Lafourche Parish and “America’s Foreign Country” – the Atchafalaya National Heritage Area,” said Congressman Garret Graves (R-La.).
 
“A paragon of Cajun culture and a sportsmen’s paradise, the Atchafalaya National Heritage Area is a celebration of the history of Louisiana. This bill extends the footprint while preserving the land and creating jobs," said U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-La.).
 
“The Atchafalaya National Heritage Area is a gem of natural beauty and Louisiana history. I’m happy to join our delegation in working to expand the area so Louisianians can enjoy more of Acadiana’s Cajun culture and diverse landscapes,” said U.S. Senator John Kennedy (R-La.).
 
“The Atchafalaya National Heritage Area is an integral part of South Louisiana’s culture and history. I’m honored to join my colleagues in the Louisiana delegation to introduce legislation expanding the covered area. We are working to ensure Louisianans and tourists from all over can enjoy this unique landscape and its contributions to our state’s culture,” said Congressman Clay Higgins (R-La.).
 
“The expansion of the Atchafalaya National Heritage Area to include Lafourche Parish is wonderful news for Louisiana. Not only will it enhance economic development in the region, it will improve quality of life and provide a clean environment to enjoy. I’m proud to join my colleagues in the Louisiana delegation for this expansive effort and look forward to watching this nationally historic landscape thrive,” said Congresswoman Julia Letlow (R-La.).
 
“By expanding the Atchafalaya National Heritage Area to include Lafourche Parish, we are preserving Louisiana’s diverse heritage. I’m proud to partner with the entire Louisiana delegation to celebrate our state’s rich natural, cultural, and historic resources,” said Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-La.).
 
What Louisiana Leaders are saying: 

“Designated by Congress, the Atchafalaya National Heritage Area raises local, regional, and national awareness of the Atchafalaya region and the uniqueness of our Louisiana culture, heritage and invaluable natural resources. Historically bounded by Bayou Teche and Bayou Lafourche, Lafourche Parish was left out of the original designation, and we are pleased to see Leader Scalise’s leadership to modify the boundary to include Lafourche Parish in this legislation,” said Lafourche Parish President Archie Chaisson, III. 

“The Atchafalaya National Heritage Area program has preserved and enhanced the cultural, recreational, and natural resources of the region since its designation in 2006. The vitality of our communities is what makes this region so culturally strong. With the addition of Lafourche Parish, a place so rich with natural resources and a strong Louisiana identity, our Atchafalaya story is complete,” said Atchafalaya National Heritage Area Executive Director Justin K. Lemoine.