Office of Mineral Resources

Pre-opening look at Atchafalaya Welcome Center on I-10

Officials of the state departments of Natural Resources, Transportation and Development, and Culture, Recreation and Tourism and Wildlife and Fisheries held a pre-opening review of the new Atchafalaya Welcome Center on Friday, December 19, 2003. The pre-opening visit allowed elected and appointed officials a chance to walk-through the construction areas as well as discuss the status of the project.

"We are near a highpoint in this effort, with a state-of-the-art complex for our citizens and visitors from all over the world to come and see," said DNR Secretary Jack Caldwell.

The Atchafalaya Welcome Center located off Interstate 10 in Butte LaRose is expected to open to the public in March 2004. The $5 million complex will have an educational theater and distinctive landscaping. Displays and high-tech exhibits aimed at educating visitors on the importance of the Atchafalaya Basin to our state and our culture are also planned. Atchafalaya Basin Program (ABP) Director Sandra Thompson said, "one of our goals is to make Atchafalaya a household word by 2010 as we promote eco-tourism in Louisiana."

"As travelers motor from California to Florida on I-10, the Atchafalaya Tourist Information Center and Rest Area will be like an oasis," said DOTD Secretary Dr. Kam Movassaghi.

Editors: The Atchafalaya Basin Program is part of the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources. The program was formed in 1999 to protect, enhance, and preserve the Atchafalaya Basin for the state of Louisiana. For more information, contact ABP at 225-342-4681.

RELATED NEWS

04/22/1999: Butte Larose Proposed Welcome Center

04/27/1999: Plans Unveiled for Atchafalaya Basin Welcome Center, Children's Fishing Pier

07/21/2000: Atchafalaya Welcome Center Design Complete

01/24/2003: Welcome Center ground breaking set for Feb. 11