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 to September 30, 2026, a program that allows owners of certain locally owned and operated commercial vehicles to buy permits to use Highway 209 in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.
Sponsors: Rep. Cartwright, Matt [D-PA-8]
Target Audience
Population: Individuals in the Delaware Water Gap Region affected by road closures or access changes
Estimated Size: 45000
- The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area (DWGNRA) is located in parts of New Jersey and Pennsylvania, so residents and businesses in these states may be directly affected.
- The bill extends road use provisions for commercial vehicles, impacting businesses depending on this route for transport and logistics.
- Local businesses relying on Highway 209 for operations will be directly impacted due to permitted access.
- Individuals working in these local businesses, including employees using this route for commuting, will also be indirectly impacted.
- Tourists and visitors to the DWGNRA may experience changes in traffic or access as an indirect result of this legislation.
- The extended provisions are set to last until 2026, meaning impacts will be for the medium-term.
Reasoning
- The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is located in a region with a mix of small to medium-sized businesses, agriculture, and light industry, all of which might rely on Highway 209 for efficient logistics.
- The target population specifically includes individuals directly impacted by the changes in access to Highway 209, such as local business owners, truck drivers, employees, and tourists who may face changes in traffic or route detours.
- Because the policy extension is relatively low-cost, the primary beneficiaries will be businesses and drivers already reliant on Highway 209, while the typical resident might not perceive significant direct impact without connectivity to business needs.
- There will be a spectrum of impact severity: businesses heavily reliant on logistics through Highway 209 will experience more significant impacts, whereas peripheral businesses and tourist interests may see little change.
- The extended timeframe of the policy (to 2026) allows for potential changes in business strategies to adjust to sustained access conditions.
- Local stakeholders such as public transportation planners and regional economic development officials might also factor into the long-term socio-economic effects of this policy extending highway access.
Simulated Interviews
Small business owner (Stroudsburg, PA)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The extension of this policy is crucial for my business operations.
- Using Highway 209 saves us considerable time and money.
- I'm relieved the permits will remain available for a few more years.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 3 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 3 |
Truck driver (Milford, NJ)
Age: 36 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's great that the road permits will still be available.
- Highway 209 is a critical part of my route for efficiency.
- I feel secure knowing my job won't be complicated by road access issues for the next few years.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 3 |
Waitress (Bushkill, PA)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I hope fewer restrictions on Highway 209 will mean better business.
- The café benefits from truckers and travelers stopping by.
- I think it's good for local business and my tips!
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 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 3 |
Tour operator (Newton, NJ)
Age: 58 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Tourism to the DWGNRA relies on easy access to highways like 209.
- It's a relief that access won't be abruptly changed.
- I'm cautiously optimistic this will maintain business.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 3 |
Local government planner (East Stroudsburg, PA)
Age: 41 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'll be monitoring how this policy affects road usage and local congestion.
- This helps local industries keep moving, which is essential.
- We need to ensure it aligns with our broader transportation goals.
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 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
Farmer (Hackettstown, NJ)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm glad our transport routes remain unchanged with this policy.
- Keeping Highway 209 open for commercial use is invaluable for our operations.
- Longer-term, we need to nurture and secure these access routes.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
Retail worker (Mount Bethel, PA)
Age: 27 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The store depends on travelers from the highway, so this is important.
- These permits will help maintain our business flow.
- The extension means we don't have to worry about losing customers for now.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 3 |
Retired (Dingmans Ferry, PA)
Age: 62 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm retired, so I don't travel for work, but I do enjoy driving around the area.
- This policy makes little difference to me, but it's good for the economy.
- Tourism is important and affects the places I enjoy visiting.
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 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Environmental activist (Pocono Pines, PA)
Age: 33 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm skeptical about increased road access.
- While this may benefit businesses, it could affect the natural environment.
- It's important to balance economic and environmental needs.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 4 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 4 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 4 | 3 |
| Year 5 | 4 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 3 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 3 | 3 |
Teacher (Hackettstown, NJ)
Age: 39 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- As an educator, I see the need for responsible access to national areas.
- My students benefit from sites like the DWGNRA, both academically and recreationally.
- The policy extension should consider environmental education opportunities.
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 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $250000 (Low: $200000, High: $300000)
Year 2: $250000 (Low: $200000, High: $300000)
Year 3: $250000 (Low: $200000, High: $300000)
Year 5: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 10: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- Impacts confined to road use within a national recreation area, limiting overall economic effects.
- Primary cost relates to the administration of permits and enforcement.
- Potential indirect economic stimulation in local businesses through enhanced access.