Bill Overview
Title: Butterfield Overland National Historic Trail Designation Act
Description: This act designates the trail extending approximately 3,292 miles and following the route operated by the Butterfield Overland Mail Company, known as the Ox-Bow Route, to transport mail and passengers between the eastern end points of St. Louis, Missouri, and Memphis, Tennessee, and extending westward through the states of Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona, to the western end point of San Francisco, California, as the Butterfield Overland National Historic Trail. The United States shall not acquire for the trail any land or interest in land outside of the exterior boundary of any federally administered area without the consent of the owner of such land or interest in land. The Department of the Interior may not use eminent domain or condemnation in carrying out this act.
Sponsors: Sen. Boozman, John [R-AR]
Target Audience
Population: Individuals living near, using, or interested in the Butterfield Overland National Historic Trail
Estimated Size: 5000000
- The Butterfield Overland National Historic Trail covers approximately 3,292 miles through Missouri, Tennessee, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California.
- People who live in or near the trail's corridor may experience changes related to tourism and conservation efforts.
- Individuals interested in American history and heritage trails may be directly interested or impacted by the designation.
- Tourists and recreational users who visit the trail for educational or leisure purposes will likely increase.
Reasoning
- The policy budget limits the extent of immediate infrastructural changes and promotional activities along the trail, meaning direct economic impacts such as job creation in tourism might be moderate initially.
- The designation of the trail may increase historical and educational tourism, which can contribute to the local economy for communities along the route.
- People directly living on the trail's path may face changes in land use, potentially increasing property values through enhanced tourism but also bringing challenges such as crowd management during peak tourist seasons.
- The policy has no provision for compulsory land acquisition, reducing potential conflicts with landowners.
- History enthusiasts, educators, and students may benefit from increased educational resources and opportunities related to the trail.
Simulated Interviews
Elementary School Teacher (Springfield, Missouri)
Age: 42 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm excited about the potential for more educational resources related to the trail.
- This could introduce more school activities focusing on local history, which the students enjoy.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 6 |
Small Business Owner (San Francisco, California)
Age: 55 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- More tourists might increase business, but I'm worried about how much will be done to promote the trail.
- Hopefully, the trail's recognition brings more visitors.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Environmental Scientist (Phoenix, Arizona)
Age: 30 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I hope this policy includes measures to preserve natural habitats along the trail.
- Tourism should be managed to avoid environmental degradation.
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 | 7 |
Retired (Tucson, Arizona)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- As a history aficionado, it's exciting to have the trail recognized.
- I'm concerned about over-development disrupting the serene experience of the trail.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Graduate Student (Little Rock, Arkansas)
Age: 25 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This designation might provide new primary sources and historical documentation for my research.
- Additional funding for historical trails can enhance academic growth.
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 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Park Ranger (Oklahoma City, Oklahoma)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The trail's designation should help improve resources for maintaining it, which is much needed.
- I hope it will create more awareness about our national parks.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 7 |
Retired (Memphis, Tennessee)
Age: 67 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's great that national heritage is being preserved, but I'm worried about increased taxes or fees.
- Hopefully, the community can benefit without too much disruption.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
College Student (Albuquerque, New Mexico)
Age: 20 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This could be a great case study for my coursework on tourism.
- More visitors might help grow our local travel business.
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 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Real Estate Agent (Dallas, Texas)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This trail designation might drive up property values, which is good for business.
- I am concerned about whether the infrastructure can handle increased visitation.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Tour Guide (Fresno, California)
Age: 36 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The designation is a plus for tourism, which can provide more business for tour guides like me.
- It's important to balance the increase in tourists with the preservation of the trail's authenticity.
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 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $5000000 (Low: $4000000, High: $6000000)
Year 2: $2000000 (Low: $1500000, High: $2500000)
Year 3: $1000000 (Low: $800000, High: $1200000)
Year 5: $1000000 (Low: $800000, High: $1200000)
Year 10: $1000000 (Low: $800000, High: $1200000)
Year 100: $1000000 (Low: $800000, High: $1200000)
Key Considerations
- The lack of federal land acquisition responsibility limits long-term fiscal impacts.
- Efforts to coordinate between federal, state, and local entities will be crucial for successful implementation and management of the trail.
- Expected tourism benefits must be weighed against initial costs for promotion and education regarding the trail.
- Long-term infrastructure maintenance needs should be considered despite current lack of obligation.