Travelers to Louisiana have until Monday, July 6, to take advantage of free maps and information about the Pelican State at the state run Welcome Center in Vinton. Todd Landry with the Louisiana Department of Transportation said the state will close the more than 30-year old center after the Fourth of July holiday to demolish it and begin construction of a new center, with additional parking, new picnic arbors, a covered lake lookout, and enhanced landscaping at the same location on eastbound Interstate 10. Landry stated the Louisiana Department of Transportation is estimating 18 to 24 months before the new $16 million, 16,000 square-foot, welcome center will open at the entrance to Louisiana off the interstate. During construction access to the nature walk and Lake Bienvenue will also be prohibited to the public. Tourist information can be accessed at the Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana Convention & Visitors Bureau located in Lake Charles at exit 29 on I-10. Of the five current employees at the Welcome Center most are part-time and will be terminated according to Landry. The full-time employees have been given positions at other state run welcome centers in Louisiana for the time being.
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