Bill Overview
Title: Alaska Trails Act
Description: This bill provides for the designation of the Chilkoot National Historic Trail in Alaska and the study of the Alaska Long Trail.
Sponsors: Sen. Murkowski, Lisa [R-AK]
Target Audience
Population: People impacted by the designation of the Chilkoot National Historic Trail and the study of the Alaska Long Trail
Estimated Size: 30000
- The Chilkoot National Historic Trail is a significant trail located in Alaska that attracts historians, tourists, and outdoor enthusiasts interested in its cultural heritage and natural beauty.
- The designation of a trail as a historic trail can increase tourism and recreational activities, affecting local businesses, especially those related to hospitality, such as hotels, restaurants, and tour operators.
- Trail designation might lead to increased federal and state funding for infrastructure improvements, maintenance, and marketing, impacting those involved in these sectors.
- The study of the Alaska Long Trail can impact individuals and businesses involved in survey and environmental impact studies, as well as long-term stakeholders such as hikers and trail users.
Reasoning
- The budget limitations suggest that the impact of the policy will be moderate to high within specific local areas of Alaska and among tourists who visit for specific trail activities.
- The policy is expected to have a significant positive impact on local businesses and community members involved in the tourism and hospitality sectors, and a smaller impact on the larger states due to its limited geographic focus.
- The target population size is about 30,000 Americans, primarily in Alaska but also from other states visiting or doing business in Alaska, which indicates that many interviewees might have a moderate to low awareness of the policy outside these groups.
Simulated Interviews
Hotel Owner (Skagway, Alaska)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm excited about the potential increase in tourists once the trail is officially designated. It means more business for our hotel and local shops.
- I hope the federal funding can be directed properly towards maintaining the trail and marketing it.
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 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 4 |
Environmental Scientist (Fairbanks, Alaska)
Age: 32 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think the study of the Alaska Long Trail can provide useful data, and I'm hopeful it leads to more sustainable trail development.
- It’s a good opportunity for my field, but I hope they focus on minimal environmental disruption.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Tourist (Portland, Oregon)
Age: 29 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I've been planning a trip to Alaska for its trails, and the historic designation makes it even more appealing.
- I'm curious about the new amenities and if it will change the trail experience.
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 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Restaurant Owner (Anchorage, Alaska)
Age: 54 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 8.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- With more tourists, I'm hoping for better business, as long as it doesn't disrupt the local lifestyle too much.
- I hope this brings more opportunities for local vendors.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 3 |
Trail Maintenance Worker (Juneau, Alaska)
Age: 28 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Increased funding would be great for maintenance and ensuring safety on the trail.
- I’m hopeful this won't just be a short-term boost but ongoing support.
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 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 4 |
Travel Blogger (Seattle, Washington)
Age: 34 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The designation adds intrigue and content for my channel, but I wonder how it will affect the natural state of the trail.
- Good for audience engagement with new destinations.
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 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Tourism Industry Analyst (New York, New York)
Age: 47 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I see potential growth in Alaska's tourism sector, but infrastructure should be ready for increased traffic.
- Sustainable tourism should be a priority in such efforts.
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 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 4 |
College Student (Duluth, Minnesota)
Age: 22 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 7.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think studying these trails is a step in the right direction for conservation efforts.
- It's important that policies like these consider environmental protection first.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Documentary Filmmaker (Los Angeles, California)
Age: 50 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This could be an interesting project, portraying Alaska from new perspectives.
- I'm excited about the new content potential, but I hope local input is prioritized.
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 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Travel Enthusiast (Chicago, Illinois)
Age: 41 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm looking forward to visiting the Chilkoot Trail, it being historic now draws me more to the experience.
- Hoping it maintains its natural beauty despite increased visitorship.
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 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $8000000 (Low: $7000000, High: $12000000)
Year 2: $6000000 (Low: $5000000, High: $10000000)
Year 3: $3000000 (Low: $2000000, High: $6000000)
Year 5: $2000000 (Low: $1000000, High: $4000000)
Year 10: $1500000 (Low: $1000000, High: $3000000)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- How much federal funding will be allocated initially compared to ongoing maintenance costs?
- The capacity of local infrastructure to accommodate increased tourism is critical.
- Potential environmental impacts and considerations tied to trail development.