Bill Overview
Title: A bill 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 until September 30, 2026, the use of Highway 209, a federally owned road within the boundaries of the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, by certain commercial vehicles that serve local businesses.
Sponsors: Sen. Toomey, Patrick [R-PA]
Target Audience
Population: People affected by the operation of Highway 209 in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Estimated Size: 230000
- The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is located between Pennsylvania and New Jersey, thus primarily impacting residents and businesses in these areas.
- Highway 209 is used by commercial vehicles that serve local businesses in the surrounding area.
- Local businesses rely on commercial vehicles using Highway 209 for transport and deliveries.
- Local residents may experience changes in traffic patterns or road access.
- Extending the exception could benefit tourism operators and businesses within or near the recreation area.
Reasoning
- The policy specifically affects residents and businesses in the Delaware Water Gap area, primarily in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, where Highway 209 is located.
- The policy will likely impact a diverse group of people, including local business owners who rely on commercial traffic for goods and services, residents who may be affected by changes in traffic patterns, and those involved in tourism.
- Given the budget constraints, the policy will be particularly significant for those whose livelihoods directly depend on efficient transport routes.
- However, the policy might have limited impact on individuals not engaged with or directly reliant on commercial activities on Highway 209.
Simulated Interviews
Owner of a logistics company (East Stroudsburg, PA)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The extension of the use of Highway 209 is crucial for my business.
- This policy saves me time and fuel costs as it provides a more direct route.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 4 |
Local restaurant owner (Bushkill, PA)
Age: 34 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Keeping Highway 209 open helps ensure my deliveries are on time, which is crucial for perishable goods.
- The policy might attract more tourists, which could benefit my business.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 3 |
Park ranger (Delaware Water Gap, PA)
Age: 29 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 1.5 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy might increase traffic, but also boost local tourism.
- I am concerned about increased wear on the roads and environmental impact.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Retired (Phillipsburg, NJ)
Age: 65 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- As a resident, I don't see much impact on my day-to-day life.
- I am happy if it means supporting local businesses.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Student (Stroudsburg, PA)
Age: 22 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Traffic can be a hassle, so I hope the policy maintains good road conditions.
- I use the road to commute to college, and this policy might affect my route.
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 | 5 | 5 |
Tour guide (Newton, NJ)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Keeping Highway 209 open is vital for my tours, allowing us to stick to schedules.
- The policy may help boost tourist numbers as access improves.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Owner of a bed and breakfast (Pocono Mountains, PA)
Age: 40 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Improved road access can potentially increase my bookings.
- However, I am concerned about potential noise from increased traffic.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
Transportation planner (Hackettstown, NJ)
Age: 28 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I see the logic in extending Highway 209's use for commercial vehicles.
- It's important to balance commercial needs and environmental impacts.
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 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Delivery driver (Mount Bethel, PA)
Age: 33 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy supports my job by making my delivery routes more predictable.
- I hope the road conditions remain safe with increased traffic.
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 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 4 |
Administrator at local school (Milford, PA)
Age: 55 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy ensures timely delivery of supplies, which is beneficial to the school.
- I worry about increased traffic during school hours.
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 | 5 | 5 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $500000 (Low: $300000, High: $700000)
Year 2: $500000 (Low: $300000, High: $700000)
Year 3: $500000 (Low: $300000, High: $700000)
Year 5: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 10: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- The road extension is limited to a short-term period until September 30, 2026.
- Environmental consequences are minimal but exist due to increased vehicle traffic within a recreational area.
- Costs are largely related to maintenance and administration.