Press Releases

U.S. Representative Garret Graves (Louisiana) co-authored legislation to include Lafourche Parish in the Atchafalaya National Heritage Area (ANHA). 

Established in 2006, the Heritage Area currently spans 14 parishes in south-central Louisiana and provides support for the region’s cultural heritage, enhances the ecological habitats and wildlife species, and increases regional and national attention to the area through tourism.  

The people and culture of Lafourche Parish are inextricably linked to the heritage of the Atchafalaya River Basin. This legislation expands the Heritage Area to include Lafourche Parish and recognizes its cultural, historical, and ecological significance within the region.

“The significance of the Atchafalaya National Heritage Area to our nation is beyond compare – there is nothing like it anywhere else on this continent. I’m proud to co-author legislation that embraces the undeniable ties that bind Lafourche Parish to the Atchafalaya River Basin,” said Rep. Graves. “Last year we authored the legislation to reauthorize the ANHA, which keeps it alive another 15 years. Co-authoring this new effort will add Lafourche to the ANHA’s important mission.”

Background:  

In 2021, Congressman Garret Graves introduced legislation with Louisiana’s Congressional Delegation to reauthorize the Atchafalaya Heritage Area designation for 15 years. The reauthorization was considered through the U.S. House Committee on Natural Resources as part of H.R. 1316 – the National Heritage Area Act of 2021, and ultimately became law after passage in the Senate.