BATON ROUGE, La. – The Atchafalaya National Heritage Area and Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser announce the 2024 Atchafalaya National Heritage Area Legacy Grant awardees. The 10 projects represent six of the 14 ANHA parishes and will advance the mission of the Atchafalaya National Heritage Area through cultural, recreational or natural resource preservation and enhancement.
“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,” said Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser. “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 conserve 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.
Funded projects include:
- West Baton Rouge Museum, Sugarfest 2024
- Iberville Parish, Swamp Life Expo
- 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 T.E.C.H.E. Project, Shake Your Trail Feather 2024
- Les Deux Bayou S.T.E.A.M. Park, Inc., Planning for Les Deux Bayou S.T.E.A.M. 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
Celebration Grant applications are now closed. For updates and more information, visit the ANHA Grant Program webpage.
