Bill Overview
Title: Historic Lighthouse Resiliency Act
Description: This bill authorizes the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to carry out projects to (1) improve the resilience of historic light stations against the adverse effects of climate change, (2) ensure continued public access to historical light stations, and (3) improve public safety on the grounds of historical light stations. The Corps must conduct a study of national historic light stations to determine the long-term protection needs of such stations and establish a national database of the stations based on the results of the study.
Sponsors: Sen. Reed, Jack [D-RI]
Target Audience
Population: People interested in or benefiting from historic lighthouse preservation globally
Estimated Size: 2000000
- The bill focuses on historic light stations, which are specific structures often located on coasts and are used as navigational aids.
- Climate change effects such as rising sea levels, extreme weather, and coastal erosion threaten these structures, thus actions to make them resilient are important.
- Lighthouse enthusiasts and tourists who visit these sites would be directly impacted by the preservation and improved access.
- Local economies could be impacted due to tourism related to these historical sites bringing visitors to these areas.
- Historical preservationists and organizations focused on conserving cultural heritage are stakeholders.
- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will be involved in implementing the bill, impacting those employed by or working with the Corps.
- Residents living near these light stations might be affected by increased tourism or changes in local infrastructure related to the projects.
Reasoning
- The policy affects primarily coastal areas where historic light stations are located, hence individuals from these regions would be more directly impacted.
- Lighthouse enthusiasts and tourists who frequent these sites should experience benefits from improved access and safety, potentially increasing visitor satisfaction and tourism.
- Job opportunities could rise for those involved in the restoration projects managed by the Army Corps of Engineers.
- Local businesses might see increased economic activity due to higher tourism rates.
- It is crucial to consider opinions from individuals who might not be directly impacted by the policy but live in areas affected by project activities or tourism changes.
- The budget limitations might mean a focus on light stations in critical condition, potentially leading to varying impacts based on specific project prioritization.
Simulated Interviews
Lighthouse Keeper (Maine Coast)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy could really ensure our lighthouse endures future challenges.
- Increased safety measures would make it easier for public tours.
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 | 4 |
Historian (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 33 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy offers valuable support to preserve cultural heritage.
- Increased documentation and resources will support my work.
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 | 6 | 4 |
Construction Worker (Outer Banks, NC)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I am excited about the job opportunities this policy could bring.
- There could be more work in restoring these sites.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 2 |
Tourist (Boston, MA)
Age: 27 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 8.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy could enhance my travel experiences.
- I look forward to better access and new destinations for my blog.
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 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 4 |
Retired (Key West, FL)
Age: 60 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This is a crucial step for long-term preservation efforts.
- I'm hopeful this leads to more community engagement opportunities.
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 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 4 |
University Student (New Orleans, LA)
Age: 24 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's great to see a policy focusing on climate resilience.
- The data from this could be valuable for my research.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 4 |
Local Business Owner (Seattle, WA)
Age: 54 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Any increase in lighthouse visitors could help my business.
- I support projects that improve local tourism.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 3 |
Army Corps Employee (Savannah, GA)
Age: 39 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- These projects could enhance my work opportunities and skills.
- I'm enthusiastic about contributing to historic preservation.
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 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 4 |
Environmental Activist (Miami, FL)
Age: 41 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Addressing climate impact on light stations aligns with my advocacy goals.
- I'm curious about the environmental assessments proposed.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 4 |
Fisherman (Cape Cod, MA)
Age: 62 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Improved lighthouse resilience might help local tourism, benefiting the community economy.
- Concerned about environmental impacts of construction works.
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 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $50000000 (Low: $40000000, High: $60000000)
Year 2: $40000000 (Low: $35000000, High: $45000000)
Year 3: $40000000 (Low: $35000000, High: $45000000)
Year 5: $30000000 (Low: $25000000, High: $40000000)
Year 10: $20000000 (Low: $15000000, High: $25000000)
Year 100: $10000000 (Low: $5000000, High: $15000000)
Key Considerations
- The total number of historic light stations and their distribution across different geographic locations and climate zones.
- Potential rise in sea levels and the impact of increasingly severe weather patterns.
- Coordination among federal, state, and local agencies, as well as historic preservation societies.
- Ongoing operational and maintenance costs following the initial investment.