Bill Overview
Title: Fixing Our Country Roads Act
Description: This bill directs the Department of Transportation to establish the total number of miles that may be authorized for the expansion of the Appalachian development highway system.
Sponsors: Sen. Manchin, Joe, III [D-WV]
Target Audience
Population: Individuals living in the Appalachian region reliant on transportation infrastructure
Estimated Size: 25000000
- The bill focuses on the Appalachian development highway system, which is primarily located in the Appalachian region of the United States.
- The Appalachian region includes parts of multiple U.S. states, affecting a significant population that relies on or benefits from transportation infrastructure.
- Improving transportation infrastructure is likely to impact commuters, businesses, and local economies in the Appalachian region.
- Considering the economic and social characteristics associated with rural and semi-rural areas typical of the Appalachian region, better roads can lead to improved job opportunities, healthcare access, and education.
Reasoning
- The Appalachian region encompasses large rural areas where transportation is a critical infrastructural need. Improving roadways through policy actions like the Fixing Our Country Roads Act can have widespread impacts on accessibility, economic opportunity, and quality of life.
- This simulation aims to provide a diverse set of perspectives representing the variety of experiences found in the Appalachian region. Considering factors like geographic location, socioeconomic status, and occupational differences within the Appalachian population will help capture a broad range of opinions and effects.
- Financial constraints dictate that not all areas can be addressed simultaneously, and thus some individuals or areas might experience delayed or marginal benefits.
- Given the total budget and the population size, the expected improvement in infrastructure is significant but not uniform. Larger towns and cities may see quicker impact compared to more remote or smaller communities.
Simulated Interviews
School Teacher (Charleston, WV)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Improving roads will make my daily commute easier.
- Better transportation means less wear and tear on my car, allowing me to save money.
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 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 5 |
Retired Coal Miner (Harlan, KY)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Better roads will help me reach healthcare services more easily.
- I'm hopeful this will bring more job opportunities for my children in the area.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 4 |
Online Freelancer (Bristol, TN)
Age: 25 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 7.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The improved road system might not directly affect my day-to-day work.
- I do hope the policy leads to faster internet infrastructure improvements as well, with better roads attracting investments.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Truck Driver (Bluefield, WV)
Age: 32 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Better roads will potentially increase my earnings by reducing delivery times.
- Safer roads mean a safer job, which I appreciate.
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 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 6 |
Small Business Owner (Huntsville, AL)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I hope the improved infrastructure will bring more tourists and locals to the area, benefiting my business.
- Increased traffic could potentially hike local real estate prices.
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 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Healthcare Worker (Roanoke, VA)
Age: 38 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Enhanced roads could improve healthcare delivery efficiencies.
- I expect the roads to reduce my daily travel stress substantially.
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 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 5 |
Artist (Asheville, NC)
Age: 29 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 12.0 years
Commonness: 13/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm optimistic about the increased traffic through our town bringing more visitors to art events.
- Concerned about potential environmental impacts of road expansions.
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 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
University Student (Pineville, WV)
Age: 28 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 6.0 years
Commonness: 19/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Improvements should balance between development and environmental preservation.
- Interested in research opportunities that might arise due to policy-driven infrastructure changes.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Engineer (Chattanooga, TN)
Age: 55 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Policy implementation could provide job growth in the engineering and construction sectors.
- Looking forward to participating in projects that enhance our region's connectivity.
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 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 6 |
Non-profit Worker (Rome, GA)
Age: 40 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Improving roads could significantly enhance food distribution efficiency, reaching more families in need.
- Anticipates better service delivery due to enhanced routes.
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 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 5 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $3000000000 (Low: $2500000000, High: $3500000000)
Year 2: $3100000000 (Low: $2600000000, High: $3600000000)
Year 3: $3150000000 (Low: $2650000000, High: $3650000000)
Year 5: $3200000000 (Low: $2700000000, High: $3700000000)
Year 10: $3500000000 (Low: $3000000000, High: $4000000000)
Year 100: $5000000000 (Low: $4000000000, High: $6000000000)
Key Considerations
- Geographic challenges of construction in the Appalachian region increase costs.
- The variability in costs arises due to differences in terrain and material costs.
- Environmental impact assessments may lengthen project timelines and increase costs.