Bill Overview
Title: Valley Forge Park Realignment Permit and Promise Act
Description: This bill authorizes the Department of the Interior to issue a right-of-way permit for a specified main segment of the natural gas distribution pipeline (including all appurtenances used in the operation of such pipeline) within Valley Forge National Historical Park if such pipeline main segment is relocated to a proposed realignment of Valley Forge Park Road and North Gulph Road within the park. The authority to grant a right-of-way permit for such pipeline shall apply only to the main segment and shall not apply to any other part of the natural gas distribution main system or any other pipeline system within the park.
Sponsors: Rep. Dean, Madeleine [D-PA-4]
Target Audience
Population: Individuals impacted by pipeline realignment in Valley Forge Park
Estimated Size: 98000
- The bill affects the infrastructure development within Valley Forge National Historical Park.
- Tourists and visitors to Valley Forge Park might be impacted by the construction and presence of a pipeline.
- Local residents around Valley Forge Park, including those who use Valley Forge Park Road and North Gulph Road, might experience changes in traffic patterns or disruptions.
- Environmental groups and conservationists concerned with the impact on the park's ecology may be indirectly affected.
- Employers and employees related to the pipeline project could be economically impacted.
Reasoning
- The impact of the pipeline realignment policy is geographically limited to the Valley Forge National Historical Park area, impacting both the park itself and the surrounding community, including local residents and businesses.
- The budget constraints limit the extent of infrastructure and ecological restoration or protections that can be enacted with the realignment, suggesting direct economic benefits might be relatively small.
- The major impacted groups are likely local to the area, including residents who may face temporary disruption, alongside tourists or historians concerned with the natural and historical integrity of the park.
- The limited budget suggests a narrower scope of directly perceivable community benefits, shifting the focus primarily to safety and ecological maintenance rather than expansion or significant community enhancement.
Simulated Interviews
Small Business Owner (King of Prussia, PA)
Age: 34 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I am concerned about the construction deterring tourists due to road closures or visible disruptions.
- In the long run, if handled well, it might make the park area safer and more accessible, but it's crucial for planning to minimize disruptions.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Engineer for Natural Gas Company (Phoenixville, PA)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy promises job security as it ensures ongoing maintenance projects without expansion.
- As an engineer, I prefer they conduct this under strict safety measures to mitigate any risks.
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 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Environmentalist (Philadelphia, PA)
Age: 26 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy could threaten local wildlife and disrupt the natural landscape that many come to see.
- I understand the necessity for pipeline safety, yet I believe more ecological assessments should be prioritized.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 4 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 4 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 8 |
Tourism Guide (Malvern, PA)
Age: 40 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Any changes to road access could directly affect my business and customer satisfaction.
- If managed properly, the changes could enhance safety, making tours more appealing in the long term.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
Retired Teacher (Wayne, PA)
Age: 68 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- My daily walks might be affected by the realignment, but it's more about preserving the historical integrity.
- I'm against any actions that might endanger the park's history or environment.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
College Student (Collegeville, PA)
Age: 21 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I am eager to see how the environmental impact assessments guide the policy's implementation.
- I fear the ecological impacts could be undervalued given budget constraints.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Real Estate Agent (Norristown, PA)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Property values could be affected by increased traffic or visibility of industrial equipment.
- If the project increases safety without diminishing park aesthetics, it could positively impact property values.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Civil Engineer (Philadelphia, PA)
Age: 32 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 8.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's a challenge to execute such projects with minimal disruption and respect for the surrounding environment.
- This is an opportunity to demonstrate how infrastructure can coexist with natural heritage.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
Logistics Manager (Pottstown, PA)
Age: 57 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The realignment may affect delivery timings if roads are frequently closed or rerouted.
- As long as alternative routes are well-managed, the long-term safety improvements are worth it.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Artist (Trenton, NJ)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The park's beauty is essential for my artistic inspiration, and this project must not compromise it.
- I will continue advocating for transparent and ecologically sensitive developments.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $2000000 (Low: $1500000, High: $2500000)
Year 2: $1500000 (Low: $1000000, High: $2000000)
Year 3: $1000000 (Low: $800000, High: $1200000)
Year 5: $500000 (Low: $400000, High: $600000)
Year 10: $500000 (Low: $400000, High: $600000)
Year 100: $50000 (Low: $30000, High: $70000)
Key Considerations
- Environmental impact due to pipeline construction in a historical park and possible ecological disturbances.
- Traffic disruptions and detours during realignment could impact local residents and park visitors.
- Potential historical significance of Valley Forge Park may attract opposition to infrastructure alterations.