The recipient entity's physical address:
           6500 Magazine St
New Orleans, LA 70118

The recipient entity's mailing address (if different):
           6500 Magazine St
New Orleans, LA 70118

Type of Entity (for instance, a nonprofit corporation):  Non-Profit Corporation

If the entity is a corporation, list the names of the incorporators:
          Agent: Michael DeShazo
Officer: Ron Forman

The last four digits of the entity's taxpayer ID number:  7624

What is the dollar amount of the request?  $42,800,000

What type of request is this?  Capital Outlay Appropriation

Is this entity in good standing with the Secretary of State?  Yes

Provide the name of each member of the recipient entity's governing board and officers:
           Willard Dumas, Chairman, 5427 Bancroft Dr., New Orleans, LA 70122
Dennis Lauscha, 1st Vice Chair, 1221 First Street, New Orleans, LA 70130
Leslie P. Gottsegen, 2nd Vice Chair, 2633 Napoleon Ave Ste 610, New Orleans, LA 70115-7418
Peter Moss, Corresponding Secretary, 109 Bellaire Dr., New Orleans, LA 70124
Chris Bardell, Treasurer, PO Box 2486, LaPlace, LA 70069-2486
Linda Baum, Parliamentarian, 1 Cromwell Pl., New Orleans, LA 70118

Beau Box, 5500 Bankers Ave., Baton Rouge, La 70808
Leah Brown, 5125 Perlita Street, New Orleans, LA 70122
Rick Buchsbaum, 1539 Fourth Street, New Orleans, Louisiana 70130
Caroline Calhoun, 452 Audubon Street, New Orleans, LA 70118
Hunter Cazes, 1123 Arabella Street, New Orleans, LA 70115
Edgar Chase IV, 4748 St. Roch Ave., New Orleans, LA 70122
Angus Cooper, P.O. Box 1566, Mobile, AL 36633
Tim Cutt, 3070 Walden Place, Mandeville, LA 70448
Krystle Duplessis, 1527 S. Rampart St., New Orleans, LA 70113
Megan Eustis, 5930 Laurel Street, New Orleans, LA 70115
James Ewers, 11120 South Idlewood Court, New Orleans, Louisiana 70128
James Favrot, 3925 N. I-10 Service Rd. W. Ste. 105, Metairie, LA 70002
Ileana Feoli, 1523 Soniat St., New Orleans, LA 70115
Kay Kerrigan, 5815 Hurst St., New Orleans, LA 70115
Beth Lambert, 1449 4th St., New Orleans, LA 70118
William Langenstein, 5527 Danneel Steet, New Orleans, LA 70115
Walt Leger, 2020 St. Charles Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70130
Samir Mowad, 8 Canal St., New Orleans, LA 70130
Vincent Palumbo, 16 Swan St., New Orleans, LA 70124
John Payne, 1444 Henry Clay Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70118
Caryn Rodgers-Battiste, 2504 Prentiss Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70122
Lynes R. Sloss, 525 St. Charles Avenue, #400, New Orleans, LA 70130

Susan Stall, 3427 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70115
Sandy Villere III, 1662 State Street, New Orleans, LA 70118
Thomas D. Westfeldt, PO Box 51750, New Orleans, LA 70151-1750
Brent Wood, 201 Lake Ave., Metairie, LA 70005

The criteria for Audubon Nature Institute Board members includes: evidence of civic or business leadership; experience on other area non-profit boards; past support or capacity to support Audubon at a significant level; ability to connect Audubon to new funding opportunities; commitment to improving the quality of life for the entire community.

President/CEO: Ron Forman, 1806 Palmer Ave, New Orleans, LA 70118

Provide a summary of the project or program:
           Audubon Nature Institute requests a total appropriation of $42.8 million in state capital outlay for improvements to Audubon Zoo and construction of a new riverfront park in downtown New Orleans. Odenheimer Complex Phase II transforms one of the Zoo’s oldest exhibits into a natural history experience and modernizes the adjacent reptile house. The Louisiana Swamp Exhibit upgrades educational exhibits, life support and animal care areas of this award-winning habitat and completes exhibit improvements in the Reptile House. Riverfront for All, a transformation of the last two vacant downtown New Orleans wharves into park and recreational facilities, will create 2.3 miles of continuous waterfront greenspace along the Mississippi River. The total request includes:
• Reauthorize $9,500,000 in Priority 1 for Odenheimer Complex Phase II. The State Bond Commission approved a cash line of credit at its July 24, 2024, meeting. The Joint Committee on Transportation, Highways and Public Works approved use of the Construction Manager at Risk procurement method at its August 12, 2024, meeting, and a RFQ will be advertised on October 23, 2024.
• Reauthorize and move from Priority 5 to Priority 1 $9,500,000 for the Louisiana Swamp Exhibit. This project was in Priority 5 in Act 5 and received a non-cash of credit at the July 24, 2024, State Bond Commission meeting.
• Add $23,800,000 to Priority 5 for Riverfront for All in Downtown New Orleans. The project converts the recently vacated Governor Nicholls and Esplanade Wharves into park and recreational facilities, with an emphasis on health and wellness. It supports the goals of Governor Jeff Landry’s New Orleans Transition Council for regional economic development, specifically a riverfront master plan that compliments both existing and new development. A CEA is in place, and FP&C has assigned project number 50-N03-22-01. Audubon manages the nation’s largest collection of nature-themed attractions that are among the state’s top paid attendance destinations. Audubon Facility Renovations and Improvements: Audubon Zoo will improve facility infrastructure and exhibits while making additions and enhancements that invest in a dynamic existing business in a growing sector—a plan consistent with economic development best practices. Riverfront for All supports the goals of Governor Jeff Landry’s New Orleans Transition Council for regional economic development, specifically a riverfront master plan that compliments both existing and new development. As a driver for family tourism, Audubon was severely impacted by COVID restrictions and continues to experience visitation 13% below 2019 levels. Building new projects as recovery continues will minimize guest inconveniences, construction delays and operational costs while providing visitors compelling reasons to come to Louisiana when they are ready to travel. As Louisiana’s tourism industry recovers, new attractions and experiences will allow it to successfully compete against other destinations. The $42.8 million capital investment by the State of Louisiana in 2025-26 is a significant step in helping Audubon keep pace with other national nature-oriented attractions and ensures Louisiana remain a leader in regional tourism. These projects will be completed by 2028. Procurement using the Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) method was approved for the Odenheimer Complex Phase II and will be advertised October 23, 2024. Louisiana Swamp Exhibit Improvements and Riverfront for All are both in schematic design. Audubon will provide $14,120,000 in matching funds from private donors, limited tax bonds, and other non-state sources to meet the 25% statutory match requirement. This total is 25% of the total project cost and 33% of our state request. Board resolutions certifying the match will be passed as the construction contract for each project is approved.

What is the budget relative to the project for which funding is requested?:
          Salaries. . . . . . . . . . . . . $0
          Professional Services. . . $7,124,416
          Contracts . . . . . . . . . . . $42,800,000
          Acquisitions . . . . . . . . . $0
          Major Repairs . . . . . . . $0
          Operating Services. . . . $0
          Other Charges. . . . . . . $7,124,416

Does your organization have any outstanding audit issues or findings?  No

If 'Yes' is your organization working with the appropriate governmental agencies to resolve those issues or findings?
          

What is the entity's public purpose, sought to be achieved through the use of state monies?
          Under a management agreement, Audubon Nature Institute, a 501 (c) 3 not for profit, is responsible for day-to-day operations and development of 8 facilities owned by the City of New Orleans through the Audubon Commission. The Commission is a quasi-public agency created by LA State Act #191 to oversee Audubon Park Operations. The Commission has no staff; all operations and construction are performed by the Institute. This successful public/private partnership enables Audubon facilities to thrive and bring positive attention to Louisiana. Audubon Nature Institute evaluates its actions through the lenses of purpose and mission. Our purpose states “Each of us has the power to impact the natural world—for better or for worse, and we exist for the better.” Our mission is: Audubon Nature Institute celebrates the wonders of nature by creating a family of museums and parks dedicated to the natural environment. We do this through an engaging family of facilities and public spaces, events and experiences, and sustainability initiatives and conservation programs. Through public facilities - Audubon Zoo and Audubon Park, Audubon Aquarium of the Americas, Audubon Insectarium, Woldenberg Riverfront Park, Audubon Louisiana Nature Center and Audubon Wilderness Park - Audubon gives Louisiana families and visitors new and ever-expanding opportunities to enjoy and contemplate the marvels of life. And through its conservation campus, Freeport-McMoRan Audubon Species Survival Center, Audubon works to ensure the same opportunities for future generations through programs such as Gulf United for Lasting Fisheries and the Coastal Wildlife Network. Audubon Zoo opened in 1919 in uptown New Orleans on the site of the 1884 World’s Fair and Cotton Exposition. The success and growth of Audubon Zoo waxed and waned until the 1970’s, when declining resources and limited interest found the Zoo at an all-time low. The City took action and, through the Audubon Commission’s governance and with public and private support raised through Friends of the Zoo, transformed the Zoo’s image from an “animal ghetto” to an “urban oasis.” Friends of the Zoo, which originally held the management contract with the city, has evolved into Audubon Nature Institute, which currently operates nine Audubon facilities on behalf of the City of New Orleans. The State’s investment will help restore visitation to Audubon’s facilities to the 2 million annual visitors seen prior to COVID restrictions, who in turn generate $18 million state tax revenue every year. Audubon’s operational spending, along with its visitors’ spending, generates an annual economic impact of more than $651 million, yielding $28 million for state and local tax collections (ConsultEcon, Inc., Economic Impact of the Audubon Nature Institute and Proposed Master Plan, May 2019). When completed, Audubon’s five-year capital program will increase that annual economic impact to $677 million. Funds generated annually through local and state tax collections would increase to $30.1 million (an extra $1 million/year for the state). Total jobs sustained by Audubon’s economic impact would increase from 6,936 to 7,223. In addition, one-time total economic impact from Audubon’s construction activities is $140 million in expenditures, $51 million in wages and salaries, and 944 person-years of employment.

What are the goals and objectives for achieving such purpose?
          Audubon Nature Institute’s $42.8 million appropriation request for state capital outlay funds (reauthorizing $9.5 million in Priority 1, reauthorizing and moving $9.5 million from Priority 5 to Priority 1, and adding $23.8 million in new funding to Priority 5) is part of a $115 million five-year Capital Program to improve Audubon’s attractions, parks, and research facility. State funding, coupled with other public and private dollars raised by Audubon over the next several years, will ensure Louisiana’s leader for exceptional family fun can continue to provide world-class, educational experiences for Louisiana residents and visitors. Private donations, city capital outlay funds, federal community project funds and proceeds from limited tax bonds will support the $72.2 million for projects not included in this capital outlay request.

Using pre-COVID economic impacts as a baseline, the project will:
• Help revitalize Louisiana’s tourism industry and restore Audubon’s annual visitation to over 2 million paid visits to the Zoo, Aquarium, and Butterfly Garden and Insectarium.
• Increase total annual economic impact by 4%, from $651 million to $677 million.
• Increase the number of jobs created and supported by Audubon activities 42%, from 6,936 to 7,223.
• Increase the annual amount of Audubon-related state and local taxes collected 11%, from $28 million to $31 million.
• Contribute an additional $140 million in expenditures, $51 million in wages and salaries and 944 person-years of employment due to project construction
• Strategically position Audubon to serve the next generation of Louisiana’s families and visitors as the nation’s leading operator of nature-focused family attractions.

The requested state funding is an initial stimulus for economic growth and development with a proven leader in the region. Investments in the project will provide returns for the state, the city, and our citizens far beyond the year 2026.

What is the proposed length of time estimated by the entity to accomplish the purpose?
           The projects associated with this 2025-2026 request are expected to be completed by 2027. The entire Audubon Capital Plan will be active through 2029, with the majority of funding in place by 2026 and all construction completed by 2029.

If any elected or appointed state official or an immediate family member of such an official is an officer, director, trustee, or employee of the recipient entity who receives compensation or holds any ownership interest therein:
     (a) If an elected or appointed state official, the name and address of the official and the office held by such person:
                
    
     (b) If an immediate family member of an elected or appointed state official, the name and address of such person; the name, address, and office of the official to whom the person is related; and the nature of the relationship:
                

     (c) The percentage of the official's or immediate family member's ownership interest in the recipient entity, if any:
                

     (d) The position, if any, held by the official or immediate family member in the recipient entity:
                 

If the recipient entity has a contract with any elected or appointed state official or an immediate family member of such an official or with the state or any political subdivision of the state:
(a) If the contract is with an elected or appointed state official, provide the name and address of the official and the office held by such person: 
               

(b) If the contract is with an immediate family member of an elected or appointed state official:
          Provide the name and address of such person:
              

          Provide the name, address, and office of the official to whom the person is related:
               

          What is the nature of the relationship? 

(c) If the contract is with the state or a political subdivision of the state, provide the name and address of the state entity or political subdivision of the state:
                

(d) The nature of the contract, including a description of the goods or services provided or to be provided pursuant to the contract:
               


Contact Information
name:  Laurie Conkerton 
                                       address:  6500 Magazine St.
New Orleans, LA 70018
                                       phone:  504-212-5221
                                       fax:  504-865-7332
                                       e-mail:  lconkerton@auduboninstitute.org
                                       relationship to entity:  Executive Vice President and CAO