BRT: Bus Rapid Transit Making Its Way to the Capital City

The Baton Rouge metropolitan area is growing much faster than existing roads and highways will accomodate. The traffic snarl that has entangled Baton Rouge is extending beyond the city limits into neighboring parishes. Because the metro area is considered an ozone non-attainment area (meaning it does not meet federal air quality standards), federal law prohibits the metro area from adding capacity to our current transportation system. Because greater capacity may lead to more cars on the road – and presumably poorer air quality – these severe federal restrictions prevent the Baton Rouge area from building more roads to move traffic more efficiently. So, what is the answer? Could it be Bus Rapid Transit? Click here to learn more about the innovative approach to alleviating traffic in our area.

Flood Control

Throughout his public service in the House of Representatives, Congressman Baker has focused his energy on promoting flood mitigation in the Baton Rouge area by sponsoring flood control projects, defending the National Flood Insurance Program, and beefing up the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Combined, these efforts will one day dramatically reduce the threat of floods and flood damage in the Baton Rouge area. Click here to learn more about the Baker Plan for Flood Prevention. Click here to learn more about the Baker Plan for Flood Prevention

Pennington Biomedical Research Center

In Baton Rouge, we are fortunate to host a premier, world-renowned institution on human nutrition: the Pennington Biomedical Research Center. According to the Louisiana Technology Guide, biomedical research and biotechnology development has become one of the most exciting sectors in Louisiana's technology industry, emerging as a potential area of global leadership for the state. Click here for information on Pennington Biomedical Research Center and Nutrition

Saving At-Risk Youth, The Carville Way

In 1997 Congressman Baker, along with several state and community leaders, set a course to improve the lives of at-risk kids in Louisiana. The concept was established from the sheer frustration of seeing thousands of Louisiana at-risk kids -- with no hope or future -- fall into the trap of drugs, teenage pregnancy, and prison. Together they collaborated on an idea to combine education and G.E.D. learning, life and leadership skills, job training, discipline, and self-respect. They discovered that these elements featured prominently in the Louisiana National Guard's Youth Challenge and Job Challenge programs, and the U.S. Job Corps. Click here to learn more about the Youth Challenge Program and Congressman Baker's plan for at-risk youth

The Biggest Science Project in Louisiana

An amateur astronomer, Congressman Richard Baker read an article in a science journal almost 15 years ago that described the National Science Foundation’s efforts to test Einstein’s Theory of Relativity. The article inspired him to lead a multi-year collaborative effort that established one of the premier science initiatives in the world. Located underground in Livingston Parish, the Laser Interferometer Gravitational Wave Observatory is testing and experimenting physics’ most cutting edge concepts. Click here to learn more about the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory located in Livingston Parish

Ascension Parish

From serene walks around antebellum plantation homes to the bustle of modern outlet mall shopping, Ascension Parish has much to offer residents of and visitors to the area. The Sixth Congressional District represents the north part of Ascension Parish, including the towns of Prarieville, Geismar, and Dutch Town.

The earliest known Greek revival home, L’Hermitage Plantation Home (c. 1812), as well as Fort Butler, a civil war site, adds to the historic charm and significance of the area. Thrill-seekers can experience Alligator Bayou Tours in Prarieville, and visitors can browse through the artifacts of the River Road African American Museum, which is one of the most unique museums of its kind in the state. Ascension Parish is home to the Lamar-Dixon Exposition Center, which hosts many activities and events throughout the year. For those who enjoy shopping, Tanger Factory Outlet Mall in Gonzales offers residents and visitors convenience and quality selection. The sugar industry has always played a vital role in the economy of Ascension parish, and is still the leading producer of agricultural income in the parish.

[Back to map]

East Baton Rouge

Situated along the vast Mississippi River, East Baton Rouge Parish is home not only to the state’s government as the capital of Louisiana, but also to two national football champions in Southern University and Louisiana State University, a variety of leisure and educational activities and a rich history. Comprising over ten communities - including Baton Rouge, Baker, Scotlandville, Greenwell Springs, and Zachary - East Baton Rouge Parish and the city of Baton Rouge operate under a city-parish form of government with a single political body (the BR/EBR city-parish government).

Several flags have flown over the Baton Rouge area. The parish was controlled by France, England, Spain, and the Republic of West Florida, before becoming part of Louisiana in 1810 and the United States in 1812. In 1699, French explorers discovered the area where the city of Baton Rouge is now located. The explorers named the city "Istrouma" or "red stick" (Baton Rouge when translated into French) for the series of red sticks found along the banks of the Mississippi River and throughout the area. The red sticks were most probably used by Indians as border markings or hunting grounds. In 1810, the Spanish occupants were overthrown by local residents (only about one thousand lived in the Baton Rouge vicinity), and the people declared themselves independent, renaming the area the West Florida Republic. Shortly after this, East Baton Rouge Parish was created. In 1812 Louisiana was admitted to the Union and Baton Rouge became the state capital in 1849. Just five years after the state of Louisiana was admitted to the Union, Baton Rouge received its city charter. The parish’s location along the banks of the Mississippi River has always aided the local economy and plays a critical role in America’s interstate and international commerce. The river serves as a gateway to the Gulf of Mexico and foreign nations, and the Mississippi River is the world’s largest grain exporting river. The Port of Greater Baton Rouge ranks ninth in the nation in waterborne commerce and is the farthest inland deep-water port on the Mississippi River and the Gulf of Mexico. Southern University, Louisiana State University & Agricultural and Mechanical College , and the Louisiana Community and Technical College System campuses around the area provide the parish with an educated, skilled workforce.

The city of Baton Rouge and the parish of East Baton Rouge are host to a variety of cultural, political, sporting, and other recreational activities. From the LSU Rural Life Museum and the USS Kidd, to Southern and LSU football games and Mardi Gras, there is something for everyone in the parish. Those looking for adventure and excitement can visit the Baton Rouge Zoo, Dixie Landin’ Theme Park, or Blue Bayou Water Park, and adults can enjoy the riverfront activities and nightlife of the downtown area. For those interested in the arts, culture and history, East Baton Rouge Parish is home to hundreds of antebellum homes; cultural, art, and science museums; and theaters of music and the dramatic arts. In addition, hundreds of hotels, restaurants, parks, and meeting facilities are located within the parish, making it a wonderful place to live, visit, or organize conventions.

Click here to learn more about the Baker Plan for Flood Prevention

Click here for information on Pennington Biomedical Research Center and Nutrition

[Back to map]

East Feliciana

East Feliciana Parish was formed in 1824, when the parish of Feliciana was divided into East and West regions (East Feliciana and West Feliciana parishes). The Louisiana Purchase of 1803 did not include this area of land (or the other parishes included in West Florida, which extended throughout the parishes in Louisiana bordered by Mississippi on the east and north, the Mississippi River on the west, and Lakes Ponchartrain and Maurepas on the south). The area was controlled by the Spanish, French, and British before officially becoming part of the United States in 1810.

Like West Feliciana parish, East Feliciana has a very rich history, one that revolves around the area’s past reliance on "King" cotton and the cotton plantations in the area. The parish is home to many antebellum homes and structures built before and during the Civil War period. While Jackson served as the seat of Feliciana Parish before it split, Clinton now serves as East Feliciana’s parish seat. Lawyer’s Row, a series of buildings erected between 1840 and 1865, in Clinton served as the center of political, social, and legal influence of the area during the late 19th Century and early 20th Century. The parish courthouse, circa 1840, located in Clinton, is one of the oldest courthouses in the state still in use. The longest siege (45 days) in American history took place at Port Hudson in 1863.

[Back to map]

Iberville

Home to the largest plantation home in the South and the state’s oldest French settlement, and set amid live oaks, cypress trees and fishing villages, Iberville Parish has much to offer its residents and visitors. For the sportsman, the Atchafalaya Basin borders Iberville Parish on the west and serves as a year-round popular fishing area. Winding River Road connects many Iberville Parish towns and communities and affords drivers a calm, scenic tour of the area.

In the early 18th Century, European explorers traversing the Mississippi River named this area the District of Iberville, for French-Canadian Pierre LeMoyne, Sieur de Iberville. Iberville became a parish in 1807, with Point Pleasant as its seat of government. The Acadian heritage of the area played a large part in the development and establishment of Iberville Parish. Nottoway Plantation, the largest in the South, was constructed in 1860 and is one of many antebellum homes that still line the Mississippi River.

The largest petrochemical facility in the state, Dow Chemical’s Louisiana plant, is located in Iberville Parish and employs over one thousand people.

Click here to learn more about the Youth Challenge Program and Congressman Baker's plan for at-risk youth

[Back to map]

Livingston

Livingston Parish is one of the original Florida parishes, and was controlled by the Spanish until 1810. When the Republic of West Florida became part of the United States in 1810, the parish was included in the parish of St. Helena. In 1832, St. Helena Parish was split in half by the Louisiana Legislature, and Livingston Parish was formed.

Livingston Parish presents a perfect balance between urban and rural life. Just a quick drive from the center of Baton Rouge, Livingston Parish is conveniently located along I-12 and many state highways. Named for Edward Livingston, the parish is home to the largest Hungarian settlement in the state. Livingston Parish has been recognized as the state’s second fastest growing parish, and provides families with some the state’s highest quality public schools, consistently performing above state assessment averages. Livingston Parish is located within 100 miles of eleven of the state’s major universities.

From fun water activities on the Amite River and rides through country roads, to antique shopping in one of Denham Springs’ 30 antique shops and Creole festival dancing, Livingston Parish offers a variety of leisure and sporting activities.

Click here to learn more about the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory located in Livingston Parish

[Back to map]

Point Coupee

Pointe Coupée Parish is located 30 miles northwest of Baton Rouge and is directly across the Mississippi River from St. Francisville. Pointe Coupée Parish was founded in the early 1700’s by French settlers and continues to display its French heritage. It was also home to Canadian trappers in the early part of the 18th century. Many historical figures have ties to the parish. Lindy Claiborne Boggs, political leader and esteemed Congresswoman, hails from Pointe Coupée Parish and was the first woman elected to represent Louisiana in the United States House of Representatives in 1974. One of America’s most notable authors, Ernest J. Gaines, was born in the parish, and historians reveal that the influential explorer Fernando DeSoto died in the upper region of Pointe Coupée Parish. The first public schools in Louisiana opened in this parish in 1808. Over 30 structures in the parish are listed on the National Registry of Historic Places. The name Pointe Coupée, which means "cut off point," originated from Iberville's exploratory trip up the Mississippi River in 1699.

Area visitors and residents are entertained year-round with festivals, art and antique shows, parades, and bazaars. In 1722, when the Mississippi River changed its course, one turn of the river was disconnected from the rest the flow of the river, and the French settlers in the area named it “Faussee Rivere,” or False River. New Roads, the parish seat of government, is located along the False River. Now an oxbow lake, False River is host to a myriad of activities, including fishing, boating, and water-skiing. Louisianans come from miles away to spend weekend “get-aways” at False River.

From exploring Civil War history and touring old sugar plantations, to enjoying the French cuisine and sporting activities, Point Coupée Parish offers all a unique experience.

[Back to map]

St. Helena

A thirty-minute drive from Baton Rouge, on quiet Louisiana Highway 16, St. Helena Parish beautifully portrays agrarian life in rural Louisiana. Established in 1810, this parish continues to thrive on its lumber industry. The Tickfaw River runs through the parish and serves as a perfect setting for a weekend tubing trip. Residents and visitors continue to enjoy trails along the river for ATV and bike paths. Louisiana Highway 10, also known as the Zachary Tayolor Parkway, winds through the middle of the parish to the seat of government, Montpelier, the Bear Creek Steakhouse and Store attracts folks from southeastern Louisiana for its famous steak and country store. Civil War soldiers crossed the Williams Bridge in St. Helena Parish to achieve access to the Mississippi River or Camp Moore in neighboring Tangipahoa Parish. Located in Greensburg, the old St. Helena jailhouse is one of few jails in Louisiana that still exemplifies Louisiana’s 19th Century legal and criminal codes. St. Helena Parish is conveniently located approximately an hour and a half northwest of New Orleans and just south of Mississippi.

[Back to map]

West Baton Rouge

Bordered on the east by the Mississippi River, West Baton Rouge Parish is a quick drive from Cajun country in Acadiana and the jazz scene of New Orleans. The parish is across the Mississippi River from downtown Baton Rouge and offers visitors and residents the convenience of Baton Rouge’s amenities. A day trip around West Baton Rouge Parish reveals its historic and cultural flavor and charming antebellum homes, along with the friendly folks who reside in the parish. Port Allen, the largest town in the parish, offers visitors and residents cultural museums, hotels, and restaurants and the southern hospitality typical of South Louisiana. Sixteen public parks and the Cajun Country Campground provide family environments for camping, biking, hiking, swimming, boating and fishing. During Louisiana’s annual Mardi Gras festivities, West Baton Rouge Parish hosts a handful of Mardi Gras celebrations and parades. Folks can also “Pass a Good Time” at the annual West BR Parish fair and Sweet Celebration Sugar Festival. The Dow Petrochemical plant, the largest of its kind in the state of Louisiana, and located in neighboring Iberville Parish, helps to support the economy of the parish by employing hundreds of its residents. In addition, the parish’s proximity to the great Mississippi River lends itself to greater economic activity through the port of Greater Baton Rouge.

[Back to map]

West Feliciana

Located on the east bank of the Mississippi River, West Feliciana Parish lies just south of the Mississippi state line. The parish is rich in historic buildings and charming southern culture, and the parish seat, St. Francisville , is the state’s third oldest town. The parish is home to over 140 structures that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Some of Louisiana’s most beautiful antebellum homes are here in West Feliciana Parish, including Rosedown Plantation, circa 1834, and the Myrtles Plantation, circa 1796.

Tunica Hills, the original home to the Tunica Indians, now serves residents and visitors of West Feliciana Parish as a state park. Tunica State Park, managed by the state department of Wildlife and Fisheries, is home to many trails and a variety of activities, including hunting, horseback riding, bird watching, and bike riding. The Bluffs on Thompson Creek- a beautiful residential community, conference center, lodge and golf club- provides area residents, businesses and tourists with a unique atmosphere for leisure activities and executive retreats.

West Feliciana Parish enjoys not only an attractive quality of life and historic atmosphere, but also a healthy economic environment. With 2 four-year universities and many community and technical colleges just a quick drive away, West Feliciana Parish has access to an educated, skilled labor force. Tourism continues to add to the economy of the area, and the manufacturing and transportation industries within the parish continues to thrive, employing more than a thousand area residents total. Unemployment in the parish is consistently lower than the Louisiana unemployment rate.

West Feliciana Parish is a wonderful area to live, work, or play and offers a quality of life ideal to those looking to escape the city with a convenient location near Baton Rouge activities and amenities.

[Back to map]