In the News

The U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill that requires National Park Service (NPS) to transfer its partial ownership of the Liberty Theatre to the City of Eunice.

The vote on Wednesday was 422-4, according to District 4 Rep. Mike Johnson, R-Benton, who handled the bill in Congress.

“The Liberty Theatre has been a staple of Louisiana’s Cajun community for nearly a century. It has hosted famed Cajun musicians and served as an important center of Louisiana culture and tourism,” Johnson said in a news release. “With a proper restoration, this special landmark can be enjoyed for generations to come. I commend the House for passing this bill with a wide bipartisan vote and look forward to its consideration before the Senate.”

Eunice Mayor Scott Fontenot said, “I’m thankful for Congress passing the bill. Hopefully, the Senate does the same and president signs it. It is critical to acquire the federal land to proceed with the renovation project and vision.”

The Park Service owns a section of the historic venue that was constructed in recent years to provide a disabled-accessible entrance. However, efforts to restore the theatre are currently hindered by the Park Service ownership interest in the property, the news release stated.

The legislation grants full ownership of the theatre to the City of Eunice.

The legislation now goes before the United States Senate for consideration.