Dow Louisiana Operations Donates $180,000 to Waterfront Park

Plaquemine, LA - June 19, 2006

	Mayor of Plaquemine, Mark "Tony" Gulotta, Sandra Thompson of La. Atchafalaya Program, Will Hinson of Georgia Gulf and Donna Carville stand on the new fishing pier built during the Plaquemine Bayou renovations.

A dual ribbon-cutting and dedication ceremony took place in Plaquemine, Louisiana on Saturday, June 17th at the Bayou Plaquemine Waterfront Park. The Bayou Waterfront Park - Phase 2 and Fresh Water Pump Project is well under way thanks to a generous donation by the Dow Chemical Company Louisiana Operations. The project is beginning to take shape and is getting closer to its goal of revitalizing the waterfront area near the Plaquemine Lock.

Dow donated $180,000 for the construction of the Park with the first $10,000 of the donation going to the development of the Plan. This donation was instrumental in the city applying for and receiving several federal and state grants that totaled $6 million to complete Phases I and II.

The ceremony began with a flag guard presentation followed by the National Anthem and the Pledge of Allegiance. After an opening prayer by Father Cleo Milano from St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Plaquemine Mayor, Tony Gulotta welcomed the crowd and gave opening remarks. After the ceremony, all guests were invited to stay for a free lunch and refreshments.

Phase 1 and 2 of the projects have been completed and are now open to the public.  Phase 1 and 2 consisted of the revitalization of the waterfront area including landscaping and the construction of a fishing pier, boat stalls and a waterfront pavilion. Phase three is scheduled to start soon with the construction of a larger covered pavilion and picnic area.

For Editorial Information:

Gary Cambre
The Dow Chemical Company
(225) 353-8265