Washington, D.C.  – In a significant advancement for a region that was devastated by Hurricane Rita in 2005, the U.S. House of Representatives today approved a resolution supporting the creation of a National Hurricane Museum and Science Center to be located in Southwest Louisiana.  Today’s congressional measure, which was authored and spearheaded by U.S. Representative Charles W. Boustany, Jr. (R-Lafayette), is an important step for the project, which will chronicle and showcase all U.S. hurricanes of record, build a living memorial for all victims, and emphasize the devastating hurricane season of 2005.  

“Southwest Louisiana is a natural site for the National Hurricane Museum and Science Center, and this congressional support marks an essential milestone in making this project a reality,” Boustany said.  “Our region is constantly learning how to protect ourselves from future disasters.  This center will not only help us assist our neighbors along the Gulf Coast and throughout the country, it will serve as an integral economic development engine for our coastal communities that were devastated by Hurricane Rita.”

The National Hurricane Museum & Science Center project is being led by the Creole Nature Trail All-American Road District (CNTAARD) Board of Commissioners, which began working on this project before the 2005 storm season.  In September, the project was awarded a $1.3 million Department of Transportation Scenic Byways grant – the largest ever awarded under the Louisiana Scenic Byways program.  Board Chairman Monte Hurley also praised today’s congressional action.

“It is critically important to remember the past in order to properly prepare for the future,” said Hurley, who also serves as Vice President of the National Hurricane Museum & Science Center.  “The National Hurricane Museum & Science Center in Southwest Louisiana will, of course, pay tribute to victims and survivors. But it will also educate, in an entertaining manner, about the science of these weather phenomena – including the fields of meteorology, technology, communications, building systems, geography, social and pure sciences.  We are grateful for the support of our legislative delegation, and the entire nation, as we strive to understand and better prepare for tropical weather systems – wherever they may occur.”

The goal of the Creole Nature Trail All-American Road is to protect and promote the wide array of scenic, historical, cultural, and archaeological qualities of the area.  The Center will also partner with the National Weather Service, the media and other public and private organizations to provide timely and reliable information as it relates to severe weather events and their aftermath.

Just last week, the Board conducted two public meetings in Southwest Louisiana to seek community input on the top four sites being considered for the Museum and Science Center.   A final site selection is expected to be announced later this month – honoring the 50th anniversary of Hurricane Audrey.

For more information on the National Hurricane Museum and Science Center, click here.