Bill Overview
Title: A bill to extend the authorizations for the Augusta Canal National Heritage Area, Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area, and Gullah/Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor, and for other purposes.
Description: This bill reauthorizes through FY2036 and otherwise modifies the Augusta Canal and Arabia Mountain National Heritage Areas. It also extends the Gullah/Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor Commission for another 15 years. Specifically, the bill repeals the maximum total amount that may be provided for the Augusta Canal National Heritage Area, the Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area, and the Gullah/Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor and adjusts the boundary of the Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area to include approximately 188 acres of additional land.
Sponsors: Sen. Warnock, Raphael G. [D-GA]
Target Audience
Population: People impacted by National Heritage Areas legislation
Estimated Size: 2000000
- The Augusta Canal National Heritage Area is an area of significance in Georgia with historical, natural, and recreational importance, impacting tourists, local residents, and businesses relying on heritage tourism.
- The Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area similarly holds cultural and natural significance in Georgia, affecting visitors, local communities, and entities focused on preservation and tourism.
- The Gullah/Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor extends through North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida, aiming to preserve the culture of the Gullah/Geechee people, affecting community members and cultural organizations.
- Extending authorizations means sustained or increased funding and attention, likely boosting tourism, conservation efforts, and educational projects, impacting local economies.
Reasoning
- The policy is aimed at enhancing heritage areas which primarily affects local residents, businesses, cultural organizations, and tourists involved with these regions.
- Residents living near or involved in these heritage areas are likely to experience economic and cultural benefits from increased funding and tourism.
- Cultural organizations preserving Gullah/Geechee heritage will have more resources for cultural education and preservation.
- The policy will not affect individuals living far from these areas or those not involved in heritage-related activities.
- Federal budget constraints mean that while there is additional support, resources are limited and there might not be a substantial increase in well-being for all affected.
- Initial impacts of the policy are expected to be moderate as programs scale up, with more noticeable impacts in the mid to long-term as initiatives mature.
Simulated Interviews
Local tour guide (Augusta, Georgia)
Age: 34 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think the increased funding will help bring more tourists. It reassures us that the area will be maintained better and could lead to more business.
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 | 6 |
State government official (Atlanta, Georgia)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy ensures continued efforts in conservation and tourism promotion which are vital for local economies and preserving cultural sites.
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 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 3 |
Gullah cultural ambassador (Charleston, South Carolina)
Age: 28 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Extension of the commission means our culture has a chance to be even more preserved and celebrated. It's a good opportunity to reach the younger generation.
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 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 4 |
Retired (Savannah, Georgia)
Age: 65 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- While I am not directly involved with the sites, I believe they're important to the community and it's great to see their future secured.
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 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Cultural events organizer (Raleigh, North Carolina)
Age: 40 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Direct impact might be minimal for me, but it's good to see such initiatives being supported. It's essential for the cultural richness of the region.
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 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 3 |
Small business owner (Macon, Georgia)
Age: 55 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Heritage tourism keeps people coming into my cafe, so more funding to keep these places nice is only going to help.
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 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 3 |
Historian (Brunswick, Georgia)
Age: 47 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's vital for keeping histories alive. This support can facilitate further research and education efforts.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 4 |
Tourist (Miami, Florida)
Age: 36 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I appreciate knowing these places are receiving attention, it enriches my travel experiences.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 3 |
Environmental activist (Atlanta, Georgia)
Age: 43 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The environmental benefits from such focused support can be long-lasting, improving our regional ecosystems.
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 | 10 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 4 |
Retired veteran (Orlando, Florida)
Age: 62 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 13/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Preserving culture is very important, and I think it's wonderful that there's more effort towards this. It's enriching.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 4 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $3500000 (Low: $3000000, High: $4000000)
Year 2: $3600000 (Low: $3100000, High: $4100000)
Year 3: $3700000 (Low: $3200000, High: $4200000)
Year 5: $3800000 (Low: $3300000, High: $4300000)
Year 10: $4000000 (Low: $3500000, High: $4500000)
Year 100: $4500000 (Low: $4000000, High: $5000000)
Key Considerations
- Heritage area management and funding are critical to preserving local culture and history, impacting community pride and identity.
- Increased visitation can significantly benefit local economies through job creation and higher business revenue in hospitality and service sectors.
- Land inclusion in heritage areas might involve environmental assessments and potential changes in land use policies.