This bill amends various sections of Louisiana law related to the Atchafalaya Trace Commission and the Atchafalaya Trace Heritage Area. Key changes include the renaming of the heritage area to the "Atchafalaya National Heritage Area" and the inclusion of Lafourche Parish within its boundaries. The bill also increases the commission's membership from fourteen to fifteen members, ensuring broader representation from the parishes involved. Additionally, it emphasizes the commission's role in developing a management plan that aligns with federal recognition and funding as a National Heritage Area.

The bill outlines the commission's duties, which include improving transportation and communication within the heritage area, acquiring property as needed, and preparing a comprehensive Cultural Heritage and Corridor Management Plan. This plan will coordinate existing federal, state, and local efforts to preserve and interpret the area's historical, cultural, scenic, and natural resources. The commission is tasked with implementing this plan in collaboration with public and private entities to support sustainable economic revitalization while enhancing public awareness of the heritage area's significance.

Statutes affected:
HB319 Original: 25:1221(B)(8), 25:1222(A), 25:1223(A)(1), 25:1224(A)(10)
HB319 Engrossed: 25:1221(B)(8), 25:1222(A), 25:1223(A)(1), 25:1224(A)(10)
HB319 Enrolled: 25:1221(B)(8), 25:1222(A), 25:1223(A)(1), 25:1224(A)(10)
HB319 Act 475: 25:1221(B)(8), 25:1222(A), 25:1223(A)(1), 25:1224(A)(10)