Bill Overview
Title: Downeast Maine National Heritage Area Act
Description: This bill establishes the Downeast Maine National Heritage Area in Hancock and Washington Counties in Maine and designates the Sunrise County Economic Council as the local coordinating entity for the heritage area. The council shall prepare a management plan for the heritage area, which must include comprehensive policies, strategies, and recommendations for the conservation, funding, management, and development of the heritage area.
Sponsors: Sen. King, Angus S., Jr. [I-ME]
Target Audience
Population: Residents of Hancock and Washington Counties, Maine
Estimated Size: 87000
- The bill establishes a new national heritage area in Hancock and Washington Counties, Maine, which means the local population will be directly impacted.
- The establishment of this heritage area will likely affect the local economy, tourism, and land use policies.
- Implementing a management plan may involve changes in conservation and development practices, impacting local businesses and residents.
- The bill could potentially influence stakeholders involved in heritage conservation and economic development at a local level.
Reasoning
- Hancock and Washington Counties have a combined population of approximately 87,000 people, which forms the primary impact area for this policy.
- This area is likely to experience impacts primarily on tourism, economic activity, and local community engagements through conservation efforts.
- Functions in the heritage area such as the management plan might positively affect individuals involved in tourism and local businesses by bringing more visitors to the region.
- Some segments of the population might not perceive any direct impact from the policy as their livelihoods or daily lives might not be heavily influenced by conservation and tourism.
- The policy also aims to attract funding, which might enhance local infrastructure, albeit with a modest budget that necessitates prioritizing certain projects over a very broad range of potential initiatives.
Simulated Interviews
Lodge Owner (Hancock County, ME)
Age: 55 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think this heritage area designation could boost my business by attracting more tourists.
- I'm a bit concerned about potential restrictions on land use that might come with conservation efforts.
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 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Fisherman (Washington County, ME)
Age: 36 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm all for preserving our lands, but I just hope this won't restrict my fishing access.
- Economic growth through tourism could help, but I don't want tourists interfering with my work area.
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 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Artist (Ellsworth, ME)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This initiative would likely bring more cultural and art-focused events, which could increase exposure for local artists like me.
- I'm hopeful but unsure how the funds will be utilized for arts specifically.
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 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Environmental Scientist (Hancock County, ME)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Having a management plan for conservation could greatly enhance natural resource protection.
- I see this as an opportunity to push forward some pressing environmental issues.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 4 |
Retired (Washington County, ME)
Age: 67 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I like the idea of conserving our local history, but I hope it doesn't bring too much noise or change to our peaceful community.
- I'm skeptical about new visitors changing the community dynamics.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
State Legislator (Augusta, ME)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Encouraging economic development in these counties could serve broader Maine economic interests.
- I would like to see a balance between conservation and development.
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 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Policy Analyst (Richmond, ME)
Age: 32 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This could be a model for other regional developments, positively contributing to sustainable growth.
- I'm concerned about the execution and actual impact on real economic indicators.
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 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 4 |
Tourism Operator (Portland, ME)
Age: 41 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This should increase interest in Maine's historical sites, likely improving tourism demand.
- I worry if enough of the budget will actually reach marketing efforts to attract broader attention.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 3 |
Historian (Bangor, ME)
Age: 60 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- An increase in attention to our rich heritage will be a boon for my work and for Maine's cultural preservation.
- Perhaps this will encourage more young people to learn and engage with Maine's history.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Local Activist (Hancock County, ME)
Age: 27 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This could help foster a more inclusive and connected community with the right management.
- I hope residents' voices are actually heard in the management plans.
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 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 4 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $1000000 (Low: $800000, High: $1200000)
Year 2: $1000000 (Low: $800000, High: $1200000)
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 size of the impacted population is relatively small, limiting the broader economic impact.
- Potential costs of maintaining historic sites and natural areas could escalate over time if not properly managed.
- Promotional and operational costs can fluctuate based on tourism trends and economic factors.
- Local stakeholder involvement and buy-in are critical for the long-term success of the heritage area.