Bill Overview
Title: Muscle Shoals National Heritage Area Reauthorization Act
Description: This bill reauthorizes through FY2036 the authority for the provision of financial assistance to the Muscle Shoals National Heritage Area in Alabama.
Sponsors: Sen. Tuberville, Tommy [R-AL]
Target Audience
Population: People residing in or visiting the Muscle Shoals National Heritage Area
Estimated Size: 100000
- The Muscle Shoals National Heritage Area is located in Alabama and is a region with historical and cultural significance.
- Reauthorization of financial assistance implies that the communities within this heritage area will benefit from cultural preservation, tourism, and educational initiatives.
- Residents of the Muscle Shoals area would be the primary direct beneficiaries of the reauthorization efforts.
- Individuals and groups involved in cultural tourism and heritage preservation in the area will be positively impacted.
- The economic impact can affect small businesses, employees in the tourism sector, and local government bodies responsible for heritage management.
Reasoning
- The Muscle Shoals National Heritage Area is likely to impact residents, cultural workers, and tourists visiting the region.
- The direct economic impact will be on tourism and culture-related businesses, which may enhance local employment and community engagement.
- The policy is geographically limited, so non-residents will have a lower direct impact unless involved in heritage-related sectors.
- Some residents might not feel a change unless they work in or closely interact with the sectors targeted by the policy.
- Given the $2 million initial budget, the impact may be moderate in the early years, likely ramping up over time.
Simulated Interviews
small business owner (Florence, AL)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm hopeful the reauthorization will boost tourist traffic, leading to increased sales for my store.
- Cultural events could attract more visitors to the area. The funding will help maintain the heritage sites that draw people here.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 4 |
teacher (Muscle Shoals, AL)
Age: 32 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think this policy could lead to more resources for educational projects connected to our local heritage.
- It might increase community pride and involvement in cultural activities.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
student (Tuscumbia, AL)
Age: 24 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 16/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I hope this policy will create more internship and job opportunities in tourism.
- The funding might mean more scholarships and learning resources related to heritage management.
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 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
tourist (Norfolk, VA)
Age: 58 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I appreciate any efforts to preserve cultural sites. It makes my visits more enriching.
- While not a local, the benefit of robust cultural heritage areas is a draw for tourism.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
musician (Nashville, TN)
Age: 40 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Muscle Shoals is legendary in music circles. Additional funding might create new spaces for performance and collaboration.
- I'm hopeful it will aid local music projects and festivals, benefiting artists.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 4 |
local government employee (Muscle Shoals, AL)
Age: 30 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This funding reauthorization makes it easier to plan long-term cultural projects.
- It provides job security for those of us involved in heritage management.
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 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 4 |
retired (Sheffield, AL)
Age: 55 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Cultural preservation is a legacy I want to leave for future generations. The policy certainly helps.
- It might encourage more community involvement in heritage preservation.
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 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
cultural historian (Birmingham, AL)
Age: 60 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Funding is vital for maintaining the relevance and accessibility of historical sites.
- I'm confident this will renew interest in historical research and site preservation.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
travel blogger (Mobile, AL)
Age: 37 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Promoting cultural heritage through increased funding is a story worth telling.
- While not directly impacted, it provides fresh content and relevance for my work.
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 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
musician (Florence, AL)
Age: 28 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- More funding could mean better venues and more performances, benefiting local musicians.
- It's a positive step for keeping the local music scene alive.
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 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 4 |
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
- The estimated cost assumes continuity in funding patterns from prior appropriations for similar projects.
- Economic and cultural benefits could significantly outweigh the annual financial assistance provided.
- Local and federal government roles in the management and oversight of heritage sites can influence cost efficiencies and impacts.
- Potential variability in tourism trends and economic conditions could affect actual outcomes.
- Long-term strategizing might ensure the heritage area's sustainability and relevance.