Bill Overview
Title: Save the Liberty Theatre Act of 2021
Description: This bill provides for a land conveyance to the city of Eunice, Louisiana. The Department of the Interior shall convey to the city, by quitclaim deed and without consideration, specified parcels of the original townsite of Eunice. Upon the conveyance of such land to the city, the boundary of the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, shall be adjusted to exclude the conveyed land and other specified parcels of the original townsite.
Sponsors: Sen. Kennedy, John [R-LA]
Target Audience
Population: People in Eunice, Louisiana and visitors to Jean Lafitte National Historical Park
Estimated Size: 50000
- The bill involves land conveyance to the city of Eunice, Louisiana, impacting local governance and residents.
- The change affects the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve, implying potential impacts on tourism and conservation efforts.
- Residents and businesses within the specified areas of the original townsite of Eunice will be directly affected by changes in land ownership and usage.
- Visitors and stakeholders of the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve might experience impacts due to boundary adjustments.
Reasoning
- The Liberty Theatre's preservation is a local issue primarily impacting residents of Eunice. Those living near the land conveyance will experience changes the most, possibly having an impact on their emotional ties and community engagement.
- Residents can be affected by the city’s new ability to use conveyed lands for local projects or changes in the historic town center.
- Tourists visiting the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park might be affected indirectly by changes to the park's boundaries or the historical significance landscape.
- Individuals whose livelihoods depend on either local tourism or land development in these areas could also feel an economic impact.
- Not everyone in the U.S. will be aware, interested, or affected by these local land changes.
Simulated Interviews
Small Business Owner (Eunice, Louisiana)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I hope the policy helps revitalize the downtown area. The theatre brings people to Eunice, which benefits my business.
- However, I am worried about potential construction disruptions.
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 | 3 |
Park Ranger (Eunice, Louisiana)
Age: 52 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm concerned about the impact on park visitors and education programs if the boundaries change.
- This might decrease tourism in the area if handled poorly.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 4 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 4 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 4 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 3 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 2 | 2 |
Tourist (Lafayette, Louisiana)
Age: 30 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I enjoy my visits to the park; it would be disappointing if it changes too much.
- I'm supportive if it means more cultural preservation.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 4 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 3 | 4 |
Retired (Eunice, Louisiana)
Age: 68 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Preservation of the theatre means preserving memories. I support anything to keep it running.
- Worried about the impact on local taxes though.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 2 |
Environmental Scientist (Baton Rouge, Louisiana)
Age: 39 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm interested in how this policy will impact conservation work at the Jean Lafitte site.
- There might be habitat disruption but also opportunities to enhance cultural education.
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 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 3 |
Journalist (New Orleans, Louisiana)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Good story potential here; curious but cautious about governmental follow-through.
- The community aspect is powerful.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 3 |
Historian (Jeanerette, Louisiana)
Age: 70 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Critical to preserve historic sites, including Liberty Theatre, to educate future generations.
- Concerned about possible loss of traditional park interpretation.
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 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 4 |
City Council Member (Eunice, Louisiana)
Age: 63 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy presents both opportunities and challenges for local governance.
- Adequate funding and community input will be crucial to success.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 3 |
Real Estate Developer (Houston, Texas)
Age: 55 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Potential for development in Eunice seems promising.
- Land conveyance could unlock business opportunities and elevate the property market.
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 |
Cultural Anthropologist (New Orleans, Louisiana)
Age: 34 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 7.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Cultural policies like these are crucial to preserving Louisiana's unique history.
- Changes to the park boundary could diminish cultural identity if not carefully managed.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 3 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $100000 (Low: $50000, High: $150000)
Year 2: $100000 (Low: $50000, High: $150000)
Year 3: $100000 (Low: $50000, High: $150000)
Year 5: $100000 (Low: $50000, High: $150000)
Year 10: $100000 (Low: $50000, High: $150000)
Year 100: $100000 (Low: $50000, High: $150000)
Key Considerations
- The bill involves a simple land conveyance with no direct financial compensation involved.
- Administrative and legal expenses are primary cost components.
- Long-term impacts are uncertain and dependent on land use by the city of Eunice.
- The bill adjusts the boundary of a national park which might affect conservation efforts and tourism.