Bill Overview
Title: Alabama Black Belt National Heritage Area Act
Description: This bill establishes the Alabama Black Belt National Heritage Area in Alabama, consisting of land in Bibb, Bullock, Butler, Choctaw, Clarke, Conecuh, Dallas, Greene, Hale, Lowndes, Macon, Marengo, Monroe, Montgomery, Perry, Pickens, Sumter, Washington, and Wilcox Counties. The Center for the Study of the Black Belt at the University of West Alabama shall prepare and submit a management plan for the heritage area.
Sponsors: Rep. Sewell, Terri A. [D-AL-7]
Target Audience
Population: People living in the Alabama Black Belt region
Estimated Size: 400000
- The bill specifically mentions counties located in Alabama's Black Belt region, indicating a direct impact on residents of these counties.
- The establishment of a National Heritage Area typically affects communities within the designated area by promoting tourism, preserving cultural heritage, and potentially influencing local economies.
- The total population of the counties listed in the bill can be approximated using census data.
Reasoning
- The Alabama Black Belt National Heritage Area Act will directly impact residents of the listed counties, primarily affecting local communities through potential economic and cultural growth.
- The policy's focus on promoting tourism and cultural heritage could boost local economies, especially in rural areas where economic opportunities may be limited.
- Not everyone within the designated counties will be affected equally; socioeconomic status, involvement in tourism or cultural sectors, and community engagement levels will influence the degree of impact.
- With a budget of $5,000,000 in year one, the project's initial focus may be on setting up infrastructure and establishing foundational programs, thus having a moderate impact in the early stages.
- Over a 20-year period, the cumulative budget of $42,750,000 suggests a long-term strategy aiming at sustainable development and heritage conservation, potentially leading to broader social and economic benefits.
Simulated Interviews
Bed and breakfast owner (Greene County, AL)
Age: 42 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think this policy could be a boon for my business if it brings more tourists to the area.
- Heritage designation might finally put our beautiful region on the map.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 5 |
Historian (Montgomery County, AL)
Age: 34 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy could provide crucial funding for preservation efforts that our museum has struggled to sustain.
- I'm excited about the potential educational programs and tours that might be developed.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Teacher (Lowndes County, AL)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I hope this Act leads to educational resources and field trip opportunities for my students.
- If it helps the local community economically, it might positively affect our school resources as well.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 4 |
Retired (Washington County, AL)
Age: 53 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm skeptical of how it will actually improve my life, as I rarely engage with tourist activities.
- More tourists might mean more traffic and noise around my area.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Farmer (Perry County, AL)
Age: 66 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 7.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- If this policy improves local infrastructure, it could help my business.
- I'm hopeful but cautious; similar initiatives in the past haven't always benefitted farmers.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
College student (Dallas County, AL)
Age: 25 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy aligns with my career goals and could provide jobs for people like me who are interested in conservation.
- I'd love to see more sustainable tourism and conservation projects.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Construction worker (Bibb County, AL)
Age: 47 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- If the Act leads to construction projects for infrastructure, it could provide job security for me and my colleagues.
- I'm worried about any potential environmental regulations impacting materials we use.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 3 |
Entrepreneur (Macon County, AL)
Age: 38 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- An increase in tourists visiting the area might boost my food truck business.
- Collaborations with heritage events could raise my profile in the community.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Park ranger (Sumter County, AL)
Age: 31 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy could enhance conservation efforts and park facilities, positively impacting my work and the environment.
- I'm eager for new initiatives that engage the community in nature conservation.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Artist (Monroe County, AL)
Age: 54 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- If the Act increases cultural interest, it might boost sales of my artworks.
- I expect more opportunities to showcase my work through heritage events.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $5000000 (Low: $4000000, High: $6000000)
Year 2: $5000000 (Low: $4000000, High: $6000000)
Year 3: $4500000 (Low: $3500000, High: $5500000)
Year 5: $4000000 (Low: $3000000, High: $5000000)
Year 10: $4000000 (Low: $3000000, High: $5000000)
Year 100: $4000000 (Low: $3000000, High: $5000000)
Key Considerations
- The initial funding is crucial for a strong foundation; thus, early estimates cover setup and development costs.
- Cultural and historical preservation activities require ongoing investment to maintain relevance and attractiveness.
- Potential for public-private partnerships to aid in funding without solely depending on federal allocations.
- Impact on local economies, inclusive of job creation and increased state and local tax revenues.