Bill Overview
Title: To establish the Prairie du Rocher French Colonial National Historical Park in the State of Illinois, and for other purposes.
Description: This bill establishes the Prairie du Rocher French Colonial National Historical Park in Illinois. The park is established in order to assist in the preservation and interpretation of and education concerning Prairie du Rocher and the French Colonial Historic District. The historical park shall consist of certain lands and specified structures. The Department of the Interior shall manage the park in such a manner as will preserve resources and cultural landscapes related to the history of the historic district and to enhance public understanding of the cultural heritage of the historic district. The bill authorizes Interior to construct on federal land or lease space to operate and to maintain an interpretive visitor center complex to provide for the general information and orientation needs of the park and the historic district and serve the needs of the park; enter into cooperative agreements for the development of the interpretive visitor center complex, educational programs, and other materials to facilitate public use of the park and historic district; and acquire lands and interests within the park's boundaries by donation, purchase with donated or appropriated funds, and exchange, except that lands and interests within the park that are owned by Illinois or any political subdivision of Illinois may be acquired only by donation or exchange.
Sponsors: Rep. Bost, Mike [R-IL-12]
Target Audience
Population: People interested in French colonial history and cultural heritage, especially pertaining to Illinois
Estimated Size: 30000
- The bill is focused on the establishment of a historical park, which primarily involves activities related to cultural preservation and education.
- The Prairie du Rocher French Colonial National Historical Park will be located in Illinois, thus primarily affecting people in this area.
- Tourists and history enthusiasts visiting the state or living in Illinois would benefit from such a park due to increased cultural heritage education opportunities.
- Local businesses in Prairie du Rocher and surrounding areas may experience economic benefits due to increased tourism.
- The local population may be affected by changes in land use and potential opportunities for employment.
Reasoning
- The policy is anticipated to have a localized impact primarily in Prairie du Rocher and nearby areas in Illinois.
- Tourists, local businesses, and residents are the primary stakeholders who may be affected by this policy.
- Wellbeing scores are evaluated considering potential educational opportunities, economic benefits from tourism, and cultural pride from preservation efforts.
- Given the budget constraints, the policy is likely to focus on establishing basic park facilities and programs initially.
Simulated Interviews
Local Historian (Prairie du Rocher, IL)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I am thrilled about the potential for increased recognition of our area's history.
- The historical park could bring more visitors, boosting local interest in our history and economy.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 4 |
Retired Teacher (Belleville, IL)
Age: 62 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The establishment of the park is a great step for education and preserving the forgotten aspects of our history.
- I hope it will offer programs that engage school children and educators.
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 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 4 |
Tourism Promoter (Springfield, IL)
Age: 33 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This historical park is exactly what we need to boost cultural tourism in Illinois.
- I believe the park will draw both international and domestic visitors, making it a key attraction.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 4 |
Local Business Owner (Prairie du Rocher, IL)
Age: 29 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I see this as a fantastic opportunity for local businesses; more visitors mean more customers.
- It is important, however, that the development respects the existing community and environment.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 4 |
History Professor (St. Louis, MO)
Age: 53 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The park will provide a fantastic resource for research and education.
- I look forward to the interpretive and educational programs that may be developed.
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 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Photographer (Chicago, IL)
Age: 40 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The new park could serve as a great subject for my photography projects on American history.
- However, I'm not sure how frequently I'll be able to visit, given my Chicago base.
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 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 4 |
High School Principal (Prairie du Rocher, IL)
Age: 47 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm optimistic about new educational programs the park may offer.
- I am concerned about whether the park will be accessible and beneficial to local residents.
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 |
Farmer (Chester, IL)
Age: 55 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I am concerned about how this might impact land use and local farming practices.
- Not sure how relevant the historical park is to my family's wellbeing.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Tourism Blogger (New York, NY)
Age: 28 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Sounds like an interesting attraction I'll want to write about.
- However, as someone based in New York, its immediate relevance to me personally is low.
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 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Environmental Scientist (Carbondale, IL)
Age: 38 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- While I support historical and cultural projects, it's crucial that environmental impacts are considered.
- I hope sustainable practices will be a part of the park development.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $5000000 (Low: $4000000, High: $7000000)
Year 2: $4500000 (Low: $3500000, High: $6500000)
Year 3: $4500000 (Low: $3500000, High: $6500000)
Year 5: $4000000 (Low: $3000000, High: $6000000)
Year 10: $3500000 (Low: $2500000, High: $5500000)
Year 100: $1000000 (Low: $700000, High: $1500000)
Key Considerations
- The success of the park in terms of visitor numbers will heavily influence the economic and fiscal impacts.
- The degree to which land can be acquired through donation or exchange will affect initial costs.
- Partnerships with local governments and organizations could provide cost-sharing opportunities.