News Releases
Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - March 12, 2004
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Gov. Gary Locke Rededicates Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center, Signs State Parks Centennial Bill

Gov. Gary Locke today rededicated the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center at Cape Disappointment State Park, near Ilwaco. Locke also signed Senate Bill 6372, which creates a Washington State Parks Centennial Advisory Committee.

The governor was joined by Rex Derr, director of the State Parks and Recreation Commission, and tribal and governmental officials.

The Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center at Cape Disappointment State Park originally opened in 1976. With legislative and local support, the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission renovated the interpretive center. New interpretive displays illustrate the story of Cape Disappointment and the history of Lewis and Clark’s journey through Washington to the Pacific Ocean.

“This center offers us understanding and inspiration,” Locke said. “Visitors will leave knowing more about Lewis and Clark and their amazing expedition. And they will better understand the spirit of discovery that brought these trailblazers across the country to our coast.”

The 13,182-square-foot renovated interpretive center tells the overall story of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. With the expanded space and new exhibits, it now concentrates more on the journey through Washington state, especially the days spent at the mouth of the Columbia in November 1805. It also provides more opportunities to learn about the recent history of the area, including shipwrecks, lighthouses, life-saving stations and jetty construction.

“The State Parks Commission is grateful to the governor for helping us dedicate the renewed Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center,” Derr said. “His participation affirms the prominence of this landmark as we begin the Lewis and Clark bicentennial, as Congress considers it as a National Historic Area, and as Maya Lin prepares to place her artwork at Cape Disappointment State Park.”

Senate Bill 6372, signed today by Locke, creates a Washington State Parks Centennial Advisory Committee. The committee will develop a proposal to implement the State Parks Centennial 2013 Plan. It will be composed of 11 members, including the chair and vice chair of the State Parks and Recreation Commission and representatives of the governor, the Legislature and the public.



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