Bill Overview
Title: Colorado National Heritage Areas Reauthorization Act
Description: This bill extends through FY2036 the authority of the Department of the Interior to provide assistance for the Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area, the Cache la Poudre River National Heritage Area, and the South Park National Heritage Area.
Sponsors: Sen. Bennet, Michael F. [D-CO]
Target Audience
Population: People living in or near the Colorado National Heritage Areas
Estimated Size: 140000
- National Heritage Areas (NHAs) are locations designated to encourage conservation of natural, cultural, and historic resources and to foster economic development, especially through tourism.
- The population affected includes all residents and businesses within the NHAs as they are directly engaged with or impacted by any development, funding, or conservation actions stemming from the reauthorization.
- Tourists visiting the NHAs would also see benefits through maintained or enhanced facilities and services.
- The Colorado community at large may experience broader economic benefits due to increased tourism and preservation of cultural heritage.
- Environmental groups and stakeholders advocating for conservation and sustainable economic growth would be impacted as their goals align with the bill's intentions.
Reasoning
- The primary impact of the Colorado National Heritage Areas Reauthorization Act will be experienced by residents and businesses within the three designated areas in Colorado. These areas will have boosted funding for conservation and development of natural and cultural resources.
- People living in or near the NHAs may directly benefit from improved local economies due to tourism and the preservation of cultural and historical sites.
- Environmental stakeholders or groups advocating for conservation will likely perceive the policy positively as it aligns with their interest in sustainable growth and preservation of the environment.
- While some residents or businesses may not notice immediate personal financial benefits, the overall quality of life might improve due to enhanced communal and natural amenities.
- The impact on subsets of the population will vary, with those directly involved in tourism, conservation, or local cultural activities feeling the greatest effects.
- We also considered that a large portion of the population may not experience direct impacts within the first few years, as it can take time for infrastructure projects and conservation efforts to show results.
Simulated Interviews
Park Ranger (Sangre de Cristo, CO)
Age: 34 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I believe this reauthorization will provide more resources for conservation and education efforts.
- It will allow us to better maintain trails and visitor centers, which is crucial for sustainable tourism.
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 | 9 | 3 |
Small Business Owner (Fort Collins, CO)
Age: 49 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This bill might increase tourism, which is great for business.
- I hope the funding will help in promoting the area better.
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 |
Environmentalist (Colorado Springs, CO)
Age: 27 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Reauthorizing resources for heritage areas is crucial for long-term environmental protection.
- I hope it will set a precedent for other regions to follow.
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 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
Retired (South Park, CO)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I appreciate seeing heritage sites preserved, but don't always notice direct benefits personally.
- I'm interested in how this will affect local recreation options.
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 | 7 | 6 |
Tourism Consultant (Denver, CO)
Age: 40 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The bill should increase awareness and patronage of these heritage areas.
- It’s beneficial to diversify and strengthen Colorado’s tourism appeal.
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 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Cultural Historian (Boulder, CO)
Age: 52 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Keeping the history alive is vital, and this funding makes it possible.
- I’m optimistic about long-term educational projects taking shape.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Engineer (Loveland, CO)
Age: 38 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I’m not directly involved but I value maintaining access to parks and trails near me.
- I hope this leads to better infrastructure for outdoor activities.
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 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Local Artist (Leadville, CO)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Increased tourism could mean more visibility and sales for my work.
- I’m thrilled at the prospect of more cultural projects taking place.
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 | 8 | 7 |
Construction Worker (Windsor, CO)
Age: 30 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- More funding likely means more jobs for us in maintaining or building structures.
- It could offer more stability in my work schedule.
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 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
High School Teacher (Salida, CO)
Age: 55 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Reauthorization can enrich educational opportunities for students.
- I look forward to field trips and community projects supported by this funding.
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 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $2000000 (Low: $1500000, High: $2500000)
Year 2: $2000000 (Low: $1500000, High: $2500000)
Year 3: $2000000 (Low: $1500000, High: $2500000)
Year 5: $2000000 (Low: $1500000, High: $2500000)
Year 10: $2000000 (Low: $1500000, High: $2500000)
Year 100: $2000000 (Low: $1500000, High: $2500000)
Key Considerations
- Reauthorization extends existing programs and funding levels, minimizing unexpected financial outlays.
- Positive social and economic impacts on local communities due to maintained support for conservation, education, and tourism.