Bill Overview
Title: Colorado National Heritage Areas Reauthorization Act
Description: This bill extends through FY2036 the authority of the Department of the Interior to provide assistance for the Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area, the Cache la Poudre River National Heritage Area, and the South Park National Heritage Area.
Sponsors: Rep. Neguse, Joe [D-CO-2]
Target Audience
Population: People living in and visiting the designated Colorado National Heritage Areas
Estimated Size: 450000
- National Heritage Areas (NHAs) are designated to promote heritage conservation and economic development.
- The Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area, Cache la Poudre River National Heritage Area, and South Park National Heritage Area are all located in Colorado.
- The extensions potentially impact the populations living in or around these specific areas due to tourism, conservation projects, and economic opportunities promoted by such initiatives.
- Cultural tourism and conservation efforts often involve interactions with local businesses, local governments, and tribal entities.
- While local residents are directly impacted, the efforts may also attract national tourists, impacting a broader audience.
Reasoning
- The policy targets specific National Heritage Areas in Colorado, affecting primarily residents and local businesses in these areas.
- The budgetary restrictions suggest a moderate impact, focusing on preservation and tourism enhancement projects.
- There is a potential indirect effect on broader Colorado due to increased tourism and economic activities spurred by heritage preservation.
- While many local residents will be impacted, not everyone in wider Colorado will feel its effects due to geographic and interest considerations.
- There must be representation from tourists and local businesses, as their experiences are crucial to understanding the policy impact.
Simulated Interviews
Small Business Owner (Alamosa, CO)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The funding will help bring more tourists to the area, boosting my business.
- Preservation projects can make the heritage sites more attractive.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 5 |
Environmental Scientist (Lyons, CO)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy ensures continued preservation efforts, which are crucial for wildlife.
- I'm worried the funds might not be sufficient for all necessary projects.
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 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 4 |
State Government Employee (Denver, CO)
Age: 35 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This reauthorization strengthens the cultural value of Colorado.
- Hope that increased tourism doesn't overwhelm local infrastructure.
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 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Graduate Student (Fort Collins, CO)
Age: 29 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy could offer more fieldwork opportunities for students like me.
- Hope it balances tourism with environmental integrity.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Brewery Owner (Boulder, CO)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Sustained funding means more visitors could enjoy the local culture.
- I believe this will improve the regional economic climate.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 6 |
Travel Blogger (Colorado Springs, CO)
Age: 42 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The extended funding means more content for my blog and audience.
- I hope infrastructure keeps pace with the expected tourist influx.
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 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Retired Park Ranger (South Park, CO)
Age: 65 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Glad to see continued focus on the local environment.
- Concerned about balancing tourist activities with conservation.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Historian (Pueblo, CO)
Age: 52 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The reauthorization will help preserve critical historical sites.
- It's essential for cultural education and heritage.
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 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Hotel Manager (Vail, CO)
Age: 27 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy could drive more business my way, a positive for the hotel industry.
- It will require careful management to not disrupt local life.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Farmer (San Luis Valley, CO)
Age: 38 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Increased tourism might offer new markets for my produce.
- I'm concerned about respecting local farming traditions amidst change.
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 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $1500000 (Low: $1300000, High: $1700000)
Year 2: $1550000 (Low: $1350000, High: $1750000)
Year 3: $1600000 (Low: $1400000, High: $1800000)
Year 5: $1700000 (Low: $1500000, High: $1900000)
Year 10: $1800000 (Low: $1600000, High: $2000000)
Year 100: $3000000 (Low: $2700000, High: $3200000)
Key Considerations
- The policy primarily benefits local regions in Colorado, impacting tourism and conservation.
- There is a need to manage costs and ensure the effective allocation of funds to achieve heritage preservation goals.
- The overlap with state and local funding can affect the final outcomes and effectiveness.