Bill Overview
Title: To amend the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area Improvement Act to extend the exception to the closure of certain roads within the Recreation Area for local businesses, and for other purposes.
Description: This bill extends until September 30, 2026, the use of Highway 209, a federally owned road within the boundaries of the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, by certain commercial vehicles that serve local businesses.
Sponsors: Rep. Cartwright, Matt [D-PA-8]
Target Audience
Population: People relying on or affected by the accessibility of Highway 209 through Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Estimated Size: 95000
- The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is located in the northeast United States and covers parts of Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
- Highway 209 is a critical road that passes through this recreation area, and its accessibility is important for local businesses relying on its use for commercial activity.
- Local businesses that depend on tourism, transportation, and supply delivery will be directly impacted if there are road closures, affecting their commercial viability.
- Residents and employees in the area who rely on these businesses for services and employment might also be impacted.
- Tourists visiting the area might find different logistics during their visits which could indirectly impact their experiences.
Reasoning
- The policy primarily affects local businesses and individuals connected to these businesses in the Delaware Water Gap region.
- The $2,500,000 budget for year 1 and $29,500,000 over 10 years will be used to maintain and allow certain commercial vehicles access to Highway 209, supporting the local economy.
- People impacted include business owners, employees of these businesses, and residents who benefit indirectly from an open and accessible Highway 209.
- Some individuals, such as tourists and people living farther from the highway, will see minor impacts unless their travel significantly depends on commercial vehicle access.
- The policy supports local business viability, thus enhancing job security and potentially increasing Cantril wellbeing scores for those directly affected by business operations.
Simulated Interviews
Restaurant Owner (East Stroudsburg, PA)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- If Highway 209 got closed for commercial deliveries, I would face delays and increased costs for supplies.
- The policy ensures my deliveries are on time, helping maintain my business operations smoothly.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 3 |
Local Tour Guide (Delaware Water Gap, PA)
Age: 33 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's important for my tours that access remains quick and easy on Highway 209.
- The policy keeps my operation efficient, which is crucial for a good visitor experience.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Truck Driver (Milford, PA)
Age: 57 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy is beneficial as it secures my route and my job efficiency.
- Uncertainty would mean frequent rerouting or potentially losing delivery jobs.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 3 |
Store Manager (Blairstown, NJ)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's crucial that our supplies arrive on time to maintain stock and service quality.
- The policy helps support our logistical needs and inventory management.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 4 |
Local Resident (Bushkill, PA)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 18/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Keeping Highway 209 open for commercial activities is important for maintaining local job opportunities.
- While the policy doesn't affect me directly, it supports my community.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Logistics Coordinator (Warren County, NJ)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 13/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy helps in planning efficient operations and avoiding extra costs.
- Uninterrupted access to Highway 209 is vital for our logistics schedule.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 4 |
Local Historian (Stroud Township, PA)
Age: 71 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 18/20
Statement of Opinion:
- While I don't deliver goods, accessibility is crucial for local tourism and preservation projects.
- The policy indirectly aids my community's economic stability.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Tourist (New Jersey)
Age: 38 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I hope this policy means less commercial traffic during peak tourist seasons.
- My activities mostly center around recreation, but commercial access can affect timing and routes.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Small Business Owner (Easton, PA)
Age: 24 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- More accessible highways can help my business by keeping tourist traffic steady.
- Though not directly impact, it contributes to overall business sustainability.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Delivery Driver (Mount Pocono, PA)
Age: 52 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I rely on consistent routes; blocked access could drastically change my job.
- The policy supports my job stability and driving efficiency.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 3 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $2500000 (Low: $2000000, High: $3000000)
Year 2: $2600000 (Low: $2100000, High: $3100000)
Year 3: $2700000 (Low: $2200000, High: $3200000)
Year 5: $2900000 (Low: $2400000, High: $3400000)
Year 10: $3400000 (Low: $2900000, High: $3900000)
Year 100: $7500000 (Low: $7000000, High: $8000000)
Key Considerations
- The continuation of the road exception is crucial for local business operations, particularly those dependent on reliable transport routes.
- Costs associated with road maintenance and monitoring may increase due to additional commercial traffic.
- Environmental and recreational considerations must be accounted for due to continued road usage within the recreation area.
- Potential need for renegotiations or amendments as regional transport and environmental policies evolve.