"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.

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May 13, 2008

CONTACT:
Sharon Broussard
225-342-5473

BATON ROUGE - Lt. Governor Mitch Landrieu announced today that work has begun on Phase 3 of the future Palmetto Island State Park, located just south of Abbeville in Vermilion Parish. Petron LLC was awarded the contract for the construction.

"Today, our state has one of the greatest state park systems in the country, contributing to our quality of life and Louisiana's rural economies," said Lt. Governor Landrieu, whose office oversees the Office of State Parks. "We have worked together to make significant investments in our parks, so that these facilities can serve our citizens here in Louisiana, attract out-of-state visitors and make a strong economic impact in their regions. Palmetto Island State Park will be a tremendous asset for the people of Vermillion Parish and Louisiana."

This phase includes the structures - cabins, entrance station, maintenance buildings and offices - and amenities to be offered at the park. In addition to the vacation cabins and campground, Palmetto Island State Park also will offer a splash pad, picnic facilities and a fishing pier for day-use visitors. Construction on the $12.85 million park is anticipated to be complete by early 2010.

"Palmetto Island will give visitors an educational and cultural experience as well as residents an opportunity to spend time with family and enjoy the outdoors. It will have a positive economic impact for restaurants, hotels and retail establishments and it will spur new economic growth," said Senator Nick Gautreaux. "Vermilion parish is proud to host Palmetto Island state park and we are happy to see the construction continue."

"Palmetto Island State Park is a solid investment for the state. Vermilion and the surrounding area can count on more visitors and increased visitor spending once the park is open," said Rep. Jonathan Perry. "The park will increase our quality of life as it will give families a new place to explore close to home."

Located off La. 82 on the Vermilion River between Abbeville and Intracoastal City, Palmetto Island State Park will be a full-fledged 1299-acre facility. Amenities at the site will include 6 two-bedroom cabins, 4 picnic pavilions and picnic sites, a water playground, boat launch and a floating pier.

"This site will provide recreational opportunities for citizens in the Vermillion Parish area," said Stuart Johnson, assistant secretary for the Office of State Parks. "The park is in a lush, beautiful setting, surrounded by water and our indigenous palmettos. We are planning to give visitors a unique outdoor experience that will have them coming back again and again." For more information on the progress of Palmetto Island State Park, visit www.lastateparks.com, click on "News & Activities," then "Construction Updates."