Bill Overview
Title: Kissimmee River Wild and Scenic River Act
Description: This bill designates for study a restored segment of the Kissimmee River in Florida as a potential addition to the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. Not later than three years after funds are made available to carry out this bill, the Department of the Interior shall (1) complete the study of the restored Kissimmee river segment, and (2) submit a report on the results of the study to Congress.
Sponsors: Rep. Soto, Darren [D-FL-9]
Target Audience
Population: people residing in Florida
Estimated Size: 21000000
- The bill affects a specific natural resource in Florida, the Kissimmee River.
- The river's designation as a potential Wild and Scenic River suggests its ecological preservation would be prioritized.
- Local residents and communities near the Kissimmee River in Florida will likely be directly affected.
- Environmentalists and conservation groups interested in river preservation and ecological well-being will be stakeholders.
- The tourism industry in Florida could experience changes depending on the designation's outcome, potentially benefitting from increased eco-tourism.
Reasoning
- This policy primarily affects individuals and communities in Florida, especially those living near the Kissimmee River.
- Individuals involved in environmental conservation, local tourism, and those who rely on the river for recreational or economic activities will be directly impacted.
- There will be a range of impacts from high to none, with most significant changes likely occurring for those whose lives or industries are closely linked to the river's health.
- Budget constraints suggest the policy will mostly involve initial studies and potential groundwork for future conservation efforts, meaning immediate tangible impacts might be limited initially, but long-term changes could be significant.
- The policy's primary impact is likely ecological, benefitting biodiversity and potentially reducing local flooding risk, impacting recreational activities and tourism along the river.
Simulated Interviews
Fishing boat tour operator (Orlando, FL)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- If the river's health is improved, it might increase tourism, which is great for my business.
- I am worried about restrictions during the study period that might limit river access.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 2 |
Environmental scientist (Miami, FL)
Age: 30 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy is a positive step towards greater ecological awareness and conservation efforts.
- I hope the study leads to necessary protections for vulnerable ecosystems.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 4 |
Retiree (Kissimmee, FL)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The river's beauty is part of my daily life and conserving it is crucial.
- Less flooding would improve my peace of mind.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 4 |
College student (Tampa, FL)
Age: 25 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm excited about the potential scientific findings from the study.
- I wish there were more projects like this across the country.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Farmer (Kissimmee, FL)
Age: 60 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I hope this policy improves water management and benefits my farm.
- I'm worried about any restrictions on water use during the study.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 3 |
Tourism consultant (Naples, FL)
Age: 34 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This study could significantly boost eco-tourism along the river.
- It's crucial to balance eco-tourism with preservation.
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 | 9 | 6 |
Real estate developer (Orlando, FL)
Age: 40 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm concerned that new conservation rules might limit development.
- Balancing conservation with growth is important.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Blogger (Jacksonville, FL)
Age: 28 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- A designation could make the Kissimmee River a new hot spot for travel.
- I look forward to seeing new content about the river.
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 |
Local historian (St. Petersburg, FL)
Age: 55 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Preserving the Kissimmee's natural and historical aspects is important for future generations.
- I hope the study protects historically significant sites.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 5 |
Conservation NGO worker (Fort Myers, FL)
Age: 32 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy helps elevate awareness and financial support for river conservation.
- It sets a precedent for other rivers requiring attention.
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 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 4 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $1500000 (Low: $1000000, High: $2000000)
Year 2: $1500000 (Low: $1000000, High: $2000000)
Year 3: $1500000 (Low: $1000000, High: $2000000)
Year 5: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 10: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- Implementation of the study requires coordination with local stakeholders and environmental groups.
- Potential for future legislative actions based on study results, requiring adaptive strategies.
- Ecological benefits and conservation outcomes are primary, though financially intangible in the short term.