(Opelousas, LA) - The city has been awarded a federal grant in the amount of $50-thousand dollars from the Department of Interior, National Park Service through the Preserve America grant program.
The grant proposal, which was submitted in February by the Tourism Department, was titled
Historic Opelousas Way -finding Signage and Gateway Enhancement. Preserve America grants provide communities and agencies support for preservation efforts through heritage tourism, education, and historic preservation planning.
The grant will be used to develop a cohesive way-finding system to promote historic and cultural resources as well as enhance the city's distinct gateway areas. The primary objectives are to build on existing city plans by determining the navigational needs of visitors. The project will strengthen the historical integrity of the district as well as provide visitors with a better historical experience.
The second round of grants totaled $1.3 million for 22 projects in 16 states. Opelousas was the only city in Louisiana to be awarded the grant.
Preserve America is a federal initiative that encourages and supports communities in preserving and enjoying their cultural and natural heritage. The Department of the Interior and the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation are two of the federal agencies that partner on the Preserve America initiative.
A way-finding consulting team will be selected in early spring, with project completion slated for 2012. More information, including community open meetings, will be scheduled in the near future.
Opelousas was designated a Preserve America Community in 2008. Communities designated through the program receive national recognition for their efforts. Benefits include the right to use the Preserve America logo on signs and promotional materials; eligibility for Preserve America Grants; listing in a Web-based directory that preservation efforts and heritage tourism destinations. Preserve America Communities are also featured in National Register Travel Itineraries.
To read the official press release from the National Park service, visit http://home.nps.gov/news/release.htm?id=1060 More information on Preserve America, including a complete list of grant recipients, can be found at www.preserveamerica.gov

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