LAKE CHARLES, La. (AP) — Pinnacle Entertainment has donated $80,000 toward the proposed National Hurricane Museum and Science Center, which could be built on the shore of Lake Charles near the Lake Charles Civic Center.

The American Press reports (http://bit.ly/T7XPJY) the gambling resort company's donation will be used to finance the museum's education programs.

Efforts to raise funds for construction of the estimated $65 million museum continue.

Once built, the museum is expected to bring in 220,000 visitors a year to the five-parish area and have an annual economic impact of $55 million.

"We are proud to call Lake Charles home and this donation and early partnership with the National Hurricane Museum reinforces our commitment to making our community a diversified tour destination," said Geno Iafrate, Pinnacle's executive vice president of regional operations.

McNeese State University's Burton School of Education will develop museum-related lesson plans for school systems around the nation using the funds.

"Pinnacle has demonstrated time and time again they are significantly invested in the region and this early show of support to the National Hurricane Museum and Science Center will fuel our commitment to move forward with the project," said museum chairman Gray Stream.

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Information from: American Press, http://www.americanpress.com