This message came from Debra Credeur, of the LA Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism. Debra works on  the Atchafalaya National Heritage Area project (formerly organized as the Atchafalaya Trace Commission). I asked her to give us an update on the status of the Heritage Area and she provided these messages. This is another chance to get involved in recognizing our unique culture. – crc

Heritage Area Management Plan
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The Atchafalaya National Heritage Area is working on an integrated and cooperative management plan to protect, interpret and enhance the natural, scenic, cultural, historic and recreational resources of the 14-parish region.  The Plan will include an environmental assessment and will address needs such as a wayfinding system, new maps, brochures, a web site and more. The public’s participation is encouraged and meeting details will be available soon.  To receive a meeting notice, e-mail dcredeur@crt.state.la.us.

Tax Credit Program
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The Atchafalaya National Heritage Area Development Zone (ATHADZ) is a tax credit program intended to boost economic development within the Atchafalaya National Heritage Area. The program is available to businesses that meet the criteria in the following 14 parishes:  Concordia, Avoyelles, St. Landry, Pointe Coupee, East Baton Rouge, West Baton Rouge, Iberville, St. Martin, Lafayette, Iberia, St. Mary, Assumption, Terrebonne and Ascension.

The program is directed at small businesses (fewer than 20 employees) that make use of the natural, cultural and historic assets of the Heritage Area. The application and instructions can be downloaded at http://www.atchafalaya.org/business/elig.asp or requested by calling 225-342-3413.