Atchafalaya National Heritage Area Expansion

Floor Speech

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Mr. SCALISE. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank Chairman Westerman, as well as the House Committee on Natural Resources for moving this bill forward. I thank my good friend, Mrs. Dingell, for her strong support as well, as she just expressed.

I am honored to speak on behalf of my bill to update the boundaries of the existing Atchafalaya National Heritage Area to include Lafourche Parish which is in my district. Stretching across 14 parishes in Louisiana, the Atchafalaya National Heritage Area protects our region's storied culture and resources.

From Cajun music, to zydeco, to our bayous and abundant natural resources, Louisiana has unparalleled culture and heritage and is home to some of the most unique and special landscapes in the world.

The Atchafalaya National Heritage Area brings awareness to this region and tells the rich story of Louisiana's treasured culture and history.

I am proud to lead the effort with my delegation colleagues to ensure that Lafourche Parish, the only parish in the historic boundary area that is left out of the original designation, is finally included in this national heritage area. This bill corrects a long-overdue oversight that will complete the Atchafalaya National Heritage Area.

I would especially like to thank my fellow Louisiana delegation members, as well as the executive director of the Atchafalaya National Heritage Area, Justin Lemoine, the Lafourche Parish President, Archie Chaisson, the parishes originally included in the designation, and the other stakeholders for their support in this effort.

I encourage all of my colleagues to join me in voting ``yes'' for this bill and in celebrating the great, unique heritage that we enjoy in south Louisiana.

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