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June 25, 2013STAFF REPORT
Gov. Bobby Jindal’s signature enshrined into law the creation of the Leeville Fishing Village and Cultural Preservation Commission.
State Sen. Norby Chabert, R-Houma, sponsored Senate Bill 238 at the request of Janet Rhodus, an outspoken advocate of increasing economic development in the town that rests beneath the La. Highway 1 overpass.
The five-person commission is granted latitude to solicit and expend money in developing programs approved by its members, including the authority to purchase and lease property.
One appointee each rests with Lafourche Parish District 9 Councilman (currently Daniel Lorraine), Parish President (Charlotte Randolph), state senator District 20 (Chabert), state representative (Jerry Gisclair) and the lieutenant governor (Jay Dardenne).
Separately, Leeville has received approval as a Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism-designated cultural district.
Beginning July 1, Leeville Fishing Village – as the district is called – is eligible to offer tax credits on expenses to revitalize buildings and sales-tax waivers on revenue generated from the sale of original, unique artwork.
More than 60 cultural districts – including Houma and Grand Isle – are scattered throughout the state, but this is the first one in Lafourche Parish.
Rhodus, director of the non-profit organization Launch Leeville, has been tabbed to oversee the district.
