"VOLUNTEERISM and CITIZEN SERVICE must lead Louisiana's recovery effort." -Lt. Gov. Mitch Landrieu The Louisiana Serve Commission is pleased to announce Volunteer Louisiana, a website and call center that matches volunteers with service opportunities throughout the state. Visit www.volunteerlouisiana.gov or call 866-286-3835 or 225-342-3070 to find out how you can begin a summer of service.

Impact - Louisiana Office of Tourism Tops Returns on Investment $13.90 is the return on investment for every dollar spent by the Office of Tourism. Over 175,000 people were directly employed by the Louisiana travel and tourism industry in 2004. In terms of production, $5.9 billion (3.8%) of Louisiana's Gross State Product was directly attributable to expenditures by visitors to Louisiana Source: Learn More >>

May 13, 2008

CONTACT:
Sharon Broussard
(225) 342-5473
sbroussard@crt.state.la.us

NEW ORLEANS - Lt. Governor Mitch Landrieu today announced the reopening of Fort Pike State Historic Site on Friday, May 2. Fort Pike is the last State Park to reopen after Hurricane Katrina caused massive damage in 2005.

"Fort Pike State Historic Site illustrates the importance of protecting the Port of New Orleans in United States' history. It played an integral part in Louisiana's military history," said Lt. Governor Mitch Landrieu, whose administration oversees the Office of State Parks. "Fort Pike withstood many battles and I'm pleased it's back to life after weathering Katrina's destruction. Louisiana has one of the greatest state park systems in the country, contributing to our quality of life and economic vitality."

Repairs and renovation on the entrance station, bridge, fencing, pavilion and restroom at Fort Pike SHS have cost approximately $679,000.

"Our Resource Development staff is continuing to work with FEMA and the historical architectural firm John Milner and Associates on the restoration of Fort Pike," said Dr. Stuart Johnson, Assistant Secretary for the Office of State Parks. "We are certainly happy to have all of the State Parks open and available to the public."

Fort Pike was the first of the Third System fortifications, built between 1816 and 1867. The fort, along with nearby Forts Jackson and St. Philip, defended the city of New Orleans from nautical assaults. From a staging area during the Seminole Wars to a hard-fought strategic outpost for the Union during the Civil War, Fort Pike has played an integral part in Louisiana's military history. Fort Pike State Historic Site, placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972, is located on U.S. 90 just south of the Rigolets Bridge. For more information on the reconstruction progress at Fort Pike SHS, visit www.lastateparks.com.