The rebuilding of the New Canal Lighthouse near West End in Lake Pontchartrain is well underway.

Since 2001, the Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foundation had actively sought ownership of the lighthouse once the USCG moved into their new station in Bucktown. Before Hurricane Katrina, LPBF was participating in the National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Program to turn the lighthouse into an education center for the public featuring exhibits about the history of the light and the ecology of the Pontchartrain Basin.

After many legal hurdles and bureaucratic red-tape, the LPBF acquired a long-term lease of the property and began construction in late February 2012.

A replica of the New Canal Lighthouse, destroyed by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005, is now being built as The New Canal Lighthouse Museum and Education Center.

Yesterday, I was able to get a tour and see the construction progress. It's coming along great. Although it won't be fully finished yet, plans are for a run/walk race along the lakefront and a lighting of the light.

Join LPBF and New Orleans Running Systems, Inc. (NORSI) on August 29th for the 1st Annual Re-Light the Light Run/Walk and Re-Lighting of the New Canal Lighthouse Celebration. The 610 Stompers will start the festivities with a Pre-Race Warm-Up and other dance demonstrations!

It's great to see the old/new lighthouse rise again on the lakefront!

For more information on the lighthouse and how you can help, click the link below:
http://www.saveourlake.org/