The Department’s Economic Development Administration is awarding a $1.6 million grant to the Southwest Louisiana Convention & Visitors Bureau to help build the New Imperial Calcasieu Mardi Gras Museum. This grant is funded by the American Rescue Plan.

This project will boost tourism to the area and provide the cornerstone for all things Mardi Gras in Southwest Louisiana and generate a year-long cyclical economic benefit through meeting and exhibit space. The EDA investment will be matched with $400,000 in local funds and is expected to create 88 jobs, retain 66 jobs, and generate $1.7 million in private investment, according to grantee estimates.

“The Economic Development Administration plays an important role in supporting community-led economic development strategies designed to boost coronavirus recovery and response efforts,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. “Lake Charles is home to one of the largest Mardi Gras celebrations in the country and this museum will attract additional visitors year-round to support local businesses.”

This project is funded under EDA’s $240 million competitive American Rescue Plan Travel, Tourism, and Outdoor Recreation program. EDA awarded $510 million in grants to all 50 states and territories in 2021. The two programs are designed to accelerate the recovery of communities that rely on the travel, tourism and outdoor recreation sectors.