St. Mary Excel reports on fourth-quarter activities

(Editor’s note: The St. Mary Excel citizens group submitted this report on its fourth quarter activities.)

St. Mary Excel implements recommendations of the Urban Land Institute panel, “Morgan City and Berwick Louisiana: Building the Foundation for a New Economy Along the Atchafalaya River” and the Atchafalaya River Coastal Hub (ARCH) strategic plan.
You can download the documents through a link on this story at StMaryNow.com.
During the fourth quarter of 2025, St Mary Excel:
•Hosted a local interest group meeting Nov. 16. The agenda included
discussion to advance the strategic plan of the Atchafalaya River Coastal Hub (ARCH); business work space and service development; hospital service district updates; Morgan City bike trail progress; SoLAcc rebranding and outreach; and international student course connection.
•Created a downtown pilot tour experience centered on mystery, heartache, and intrigue in an October event.
•Participated in high school coastal student workshop for Ocean Guardian schools, Morgan City and Patterson.
•Presented ANERR and ARCH projects to St. Mary Chamber Leadership participants on Nov. 18.
•Explored bike rental possibilities for Morgan City and Berwick.
•Collaborated along with Michael Brocato of the St. Mary Levee District and local historian Greig Chauvin, with students of the Roosevelt Institute and LSU in researching historical water systems, uses, and similarities across the Netherlands and Louisiana.
•Supported local historian Greig Chauvin through research for the LA Shrimp and Petroleum Festival exhibition.
• Appeared before the St. Mary Levee District on Nov. 20 to seek partnership for grant opportunities specific to local needs and responsibilities.
•Continued conversation for a swimming/wellness pool by making an inquiry with Ochsner Foundation.
•Awaited and looked forward to the draft management plan for the Atchafalaya National Estuarine Research Reserve (ANERR).