A sign that hung near Bord du Lac Drive on Tuesday read, “Thanks a Million,” recognizing a $1 million contribution by two organizations to help fund the National Hurricane Museum and Science Center.

Dozens of local and state officials gathered along the lakefront — where the facility will be built — to celebrate State Farm and Entergy each contributing $500,000 to the facility.

Gray Stream, the center’s board chairman, said the two contributions have brought the total amount contributed to $39 million. The museum has an estimated price tag of $70 million.

“With (these) gifts … we begin to show that the project is truly nationwide in scope,” he said.

Stream said the museum, which will include interactive exhibits on the science of hurricanes, will educate students and others about preparing for and staying protected and recovering from storms.

Entergy Louisiana president and CEO Phillip May said the company and Southwest Louisiana are “accustomed to large-scale disasters” like hurricanes.

State Sen. Ronnie Johns, R-Lake Charles, said local officials “sold a message” to State Farm officials on the national level “that they could be and should be a part of the history of the hurricanes here in Louisiana,” along with the education component. Johns is the owner of Ronnie Johns State Farm Insurance Agency in Sulphur.

Johns said the 2014-2015 state budget includes $28 million in capital outlay money to help fund the center. The money is Priority 5, meaning projects can get non-cash lines of credit or be moved to a higher priority.

Mark Cockerham, vice president of agencies for State Farm Louisiana, said they embrace the idea of the museum, including the science aspect.

Lake Charles Mayor Randy Roach said the center “represents more than just a facility,” and it can help “educate, inform and inspire young people.”

“It can make them realize it’s not what happens to you that counts, it’s what you do in response,” he said.

The center’s website says the museum could bring in as many as 220,000 visitors per year and provide the region with a $55 million annual economic impact.

l

Online: www.nhmsc.com.(MGNonline)