Bill Overview
Title: To provide for the boundary of the Palo Alto Battlefield National Historic Park to be adjusted, to authorize the donation of land to the United States for addition to that historic park, and for other purposes.
Description: This bill adjusts the boundary of the Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park in Texas to include the approximately 166.44 acres of land identified on the map titled PALO ALTO BATTLEFIELD NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK Proposed Boundary Addition, Fort Brown Unit (2018), when the land is donated to the United States.
Sponsors: Rep. Vela, Filemon [D-TX-34]
Target Audience
Population: People affected by the adjustment to the boundary of the Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park
Estimated Size: 500000
- The Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park is located in the United States, specifically in Texas.
- Local residents, especially those living near the historic park, are likely to be directly impacted as the boundary adjustments may influence land use and local tourism.
- Visitors to the park, both domestic and international, might be affected as the boundary change can alter their experience.
- Historians, educators, and students interested in the historic events the park commemorates might find their resources or areas of interest expanded.
- Local businesses, particularly those in hospitality and tourism sectors, could see impacts due to changes in park boundaries that might affect visitor numbers and park capacity.
Reasoning
- The policy affects primarily the local population and stakeholders directly related to the historical park.
- Residents near the park may see a change in their property value or local infrastructure due to increased tourism.
- Educators and historians could have increased access to more resources, potentially increasing their interest and involvement.
- Local businesses, especially in tourism and hospitality, may experience changes due to shifts in visitor numbers and park capacity.
- The potential for increased tourism might provide economic benefits, but also challenges such as traffic or environmental concerns.
- Given the limited budget, impacts are expected to be moderate, focusing on immediate boundary integration and awareness boosting.
- While the direct impact is localized, indirect effects might inspire historical engagement on a broader scale.
Simulated Interviews
Local Business Owner (Brownsville, Texas)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I welcome any changes that might increase tourism.
- However, I worry about the cost overruns this might cause.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
History Professor (Houston, Texas)
Age: 33 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Expanding the park could mean more research opportunities.
- I would prioritize these areas in educational tours.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
Urban Planner (Austin, Texas)
Age: 39 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The expansion could require more nuanced urban development.
- Balancing preservation with growth is critical.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Retired, Volunteer at Palo Alto Museum (Brownsville, Texas)
Age: 60 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 9
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This is a dream coming true for local history enthusiasts.
- I hope we can celebrate our heritage more visibly.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 2 | 10 | 9 |
| Year 3 | 10 | 9 |
| Year 5 | 10 | 9 |
| Year 10 | 10 | 9 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 9 |
Environmental Scientist (Dallas, Texas)
Age: 27 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The boundary change should consider ecological impacts.
- Mitigation strategies must accompany any developmental changes.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Travel Blogger (San Antonio, Texas)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This adds a new dimension to my travel narratives.
- I'm excited by the potential new park areas to explore.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
Public School Teacher (Corpus Christi, Texas)
Age: 52 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It could offer valuable field trip opportunities for students.
- I hope it leads to better educational resources for schools.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Real Estate Agent (Brownsville, Texas)
Age: 31 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The boundary expansion could increase property values.
- It might make real estate more appealing to history buffs.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
Tour Guide (San Antonio, Texas)
Age: 40 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The expansion provides more storytelling opportunities.
- I'm concerned if the infrastructure will support increased visitor numbers.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
College Student (McAllen, Texas)
Age: 29 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- As a student, the expansion could enrich my research.
- More resources could bolster the academic value of my studies.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $250000 (Low: $200000, High: $300000)
Year 2: $100000 (Low: $80000, High: $120000)
Year 3: $100000 (Low: $80000, High: $120000)
Year 5: $110000 (Low: $85000, High: $125000)
Year 10: $120000 (Low: $100000, High: $140000)
Year 100: $150000 (Low: $130000, High: $170000)
Key Considerations
- Long-term maintenance and operational costs of expanded park boundaries.
- Potential boost to local economies through increased visitor numbers.
- Historical preservation and educational benefits provided by expanded park areas.