"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 - Supporting the Louisiana Arts Every dollar in state support for the Arts leverages $7 in earned and contributed revenue. Louisiana's cultural enterprises provide nearly 144,000 jobs for Louisiana citizens, accounting for 7.6% of total employment. Arts has a total economic impact of $934 million in Louisiana. Source: The ... Learn More >>

March 24, 2009

CONTACT:
Sharon Broussard
(225) 342 -5473

"Our State Parks and Historic Sites are vital to preserving our state's history. They're also an important economic engine, attracting visitors and creating jobs," said Lt. Governor Mitch Landrieu, whose office oversees Louisiana's State Parks. "Along with all of our State Historic Sites, Plaquemine Lock allows our visitors and citizens to experience Louisiana's heritage."

Ceremonies will begin at 10 a.m., including a rededication of the Lock. Following the ceremony, visitors can join in the commemoration with tours of the lock house and lock chamber. A local band, Unfinished Business, will perform live music from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and free jambalaya will be served beginning at 11:30 a.m. Displays will be set up on the lock grounds featuring the history of Louisiana State Parks, in recognition of the system's 75th Anniversary during 2009.

"Plaquemine Lock State Historic Site illustrates the importance of waterways to Louisiana's economy and culture," said Dr. Stuart Johnson, Assistant Secretary for the Office of State Parks. "We invite the public out, on April 4, to join us in recognizing this significant site and in observing Louisiana State Parks 75th Anniversary, being celebrated all through 2009."

Plaquemine Lock State Historic Site is a five-acre complex that includes the historic lock, which operated from 1909-1961. The lock was designed by Colonel George W. Goethals, who later designed the Panama Canal. The site is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is will be free to all visitors, for this special event.

Plaquemine Lock SHS is located off La. 1 in downtown Plaquemine, 13 miles south of Baton Rouge. For more information about the 75th Anniversary and Louisiana State Parks visit www.lastateparks.com or call 1-888-677-1400.