Lafourche Parish has been formally added to the Atchafalaya National Heritage Area, aligning its boundaries with the historical definition of the Atchafalaya Basin. This adjustment corrects what lawmakers described as an oversight when the area was initially designated in 2006. According to this article from The Advocate, the inclusion expands opportunities for cultural, historical, and recreational initiatives within the parish, further enriching an area often celebrated for its unique natural and cultural heritage.

The Atchafalaya National Heritage Area, federally recognized through the National Park Service, encompasses over 11,000 square miles across 15 parishes. It celebrates the Atchafalaya Basin’s meandering bayous, shifting marshlands, and vibrant cultural history, which includes zydeco music, boudin sausage, and Cajun traditions. Located along Interstate 10 between Baton Rouge and Lafayette, the basin has become an emblem of Louisiana’s distinctive identity.

Adding Lafourche Parish to this designation rectifies a long-standing omission, according to U.S. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, who championed the legislation. “This National Heritage Area tells the rich story of Louisiana’s treasured culture and history, but for too long, a piece of that story has been missing,” Scalise said. The bill gained bipartisan support and was signed into law by President Joe Biden on Christmas Eve 2024, a rare moment of consensus in today’s divided political climate.

With its inclusion in the Atchafalaya National Heritage Area, Lafourche Parish can now pursue federal funding for various projects. According to Justin K. Lemoine, executive director of the Atchafalaya National Heritage Area, this addition opens doors for recreational planning, historical preservation, and cultural initiatives that were previously inaccessible.

One of the first steps will involve developing a recreational master plan that includes Lafourche Parish. This plan aims to enhance public access to natural areas and create new opportunities for residents and visitors to engage with the region’s rich environment.

Lemoine highlighted another crucial aspect of his organization’s work: identifying and preserving historically significant sites. He emphasized that many locals may overlook the cultural or historical importance of buildings and landmarks they see daily. By including Lafourche Parish, his team can now extend this work to new areas, ensuring that the parish’s contributions to Louisiana’s heritage are recognized and preserved.

The Atchafalaya National Heritage Area program is part of a broader effort by the National Park Service to highlight regions of historical, cultural, and natural significance. This designation brings not only funding but also national recognition to the Atchafalaya Basin as a vital part of America’s heritage.

Lemoine described the area as “America’s foreign country,” pointing to its unparalleled blend of food, music, language, and cultural ties to the land. In 2024, his organization awarded $140,000 in grant funding for 26 projects across the area. However, until Lafourche Parish was officially included, Lemoine’s team was unable to pursue similar initiatives there.

The omission of Lafourche Parish from the original designation stemmed from a misstep during the creation of the Atchafalaya National Heritage Area in 2006. Local lawmakers and officials have since worked to correct this oversight. Lafourche Parish President Archie Chaisson III expressed gratitude to Scalise and the Louisiana delegation, emphasizing that Lafourche was the only parish excluded from the original boundaries.

In addition to Lafourche Parish’s inclusion, U.S. Rep. Garret Graves announced another significant development for the region. Terrebonne Parish has been added to the Delta Regional Authority, an economic development organization spanning eight states. This designation will enable Terrebonne to access funding for public infrastructure projects, further boosting the area’s growth potential.

The Atchafalaya Basin, with its sprawling wetlands and deep cultural roots, has long been a cornerstone of Louisiana’s identity. Adding Lafourche Parish ensures that the entire story of this remarkable region is told. The expanded heritage area not only acknowledges the parish’s historical significance but also creates new opportunities to celebrate and sustain its unique contributions to the state and nation.

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