Bill Overview
Title: Route 66 National Historic Trail Designation Act
Description: This bill amends the National Trails System Act to designate a trail of approximately 2,400 miles extending from Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Monica, California, as the Route 66 National Historic Trail. The trail shall be administered by the Department of the Interior in a manner that respects and maintains its idiosyncratic nature. Interior may not use eminent domain or condemnation in carrying out this bill.
Sponsors: Sen. Inhofe, James M. [R-OK]
Target Audience
Population: People residing in and tourists visiting Route 66 corridor
Estimated Size: 3000000
- Route 66 is a historic highway that spans over 2,400 miles and crosses several U.S. states, affecting numerous communities along its path.
- The designation as a National Historic Trail may increase tourism and economic activity in communities and small businesses along Route 66.
- Local residents in Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California, through which Route 66 passes, will directly experience changes in tourism and infrastructure development.
- Tourists from around the world who seek to travel the historic Route 66 may see changes in trail management and preservation efforts.
- The designation could lead to conservation efforts that impact landowners and forms of wildlife along the route, providing both challenges and opportunities.
Reasoning
- The impact of the Route 66 National Historic Trail Designation Act would significantly influence the local populations along the trail, particularly those residing in small communities that rely heavily on tourism and small businesses for economic stability.
- A key demographic affected includes residents and businesses along the 2,400-mile stretch who might see increased tourism-related opportunities, thus potentially enhancing their economic well-being and quality of life.
- Conversely, some individuals, such as those owning land directly impacted by conservation efforts or with concerns over increased traffic and commercialization, might view the policy less favorably.
- Tourists would benefit from improved and possibly more managed travel experience, but this might also mean increased regulation and conservation fees could deter certain forms of tourism.
- With a limited budget for the policy, significant transformations will likely be gradual, focusing initially on high-impact areas or those requiring immediate attention for safety and usability.
Simulated Interviews
Small Business Owner (Springfield, Illinois)
Age: 40 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This designation is a great opportunity. It should bring in more tourists, which we need for small businesses like mine.
- I hope they maintain the authentic character of Route 66.
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 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 5 |
Retired (Tucumcari, New Mexico)
Age: 55 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Preserving the historical aspects of Route 66 is critical, but I'm concerned about changes that might not respect our local heritage.
- I worry about increased traffic potentially ruining the quiet life we have here.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Freelance Writer (Los Angeles, California)
Age: 30 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm excited about more opportunities to write about the revitalized Route 66 attractions.
- My main concern is that the commercialization might overrun the genuine experience of Route 66.
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 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Truck Driver (Chicago, Illinois)
Age: 62 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Route 66 isn’t just a tourist route; it's a critical truck and transport route. Any changes need to consider daily logistics.
- I'm concerned about potential detours or road work.
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 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 6 |
Retired Park Ranger (Flagstaff, Arizona)
Age: 72 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Conservation of Route 66's natural scenery is crucial. More tourists could mean more environmental degradation if not well managed.
- The policy must have clear guidelines for preserving natural habitats.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Student (Amarillo, Texas)
Age: 25 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The Route 66 designation will probably lead to more job opportunities in tourism once I graduate.
- I hope it includes modernized facilities to cater to newer traveler demands.
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 |
Farmer (Lawton, Oklahoma)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 13/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Increased tourism might lead to better road maintenance which helps our logistics, but I'm against any land use changes without consent.
- The policy should clearly benefit those of us who own the land.
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 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Real Estate Agent (Santa Monica, California)
Age: 48 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This designation could make properties along Route 66 more desirable which is good for business.
- My concern is balancing heritage preservation with demand for modern amenities.
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 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Artist (St. Louis, Missouri)
Age: 38 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- With more tourists, there's more exposure for my artwork, which is exciting.
- I hope the route's character is preserved as it greatly influences my creative inspiration.
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 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
School Teacher (Kansas City, Kansas)
Age: 58 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Designating Route 66 as a National Historic Trail is a fantastic educational tool; it makes history tangible for students.
- I hope there are educational programs included that schools can access.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 6 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $1500000 (Low: $1000000, High: $2000000)
Year 2: $1200000 (Low: $800000, High: $1600000)
Year 3: $1000000 (Low: $700000, High: $1300000)
Year 5: $1000000 (Low: $700000, High: $1300000)
Year 10: $1100000 (Low: $750000, High: $1450000)
Year 100: $1000000 (Low: $700000, High: $1300000)
Key Considerations
- The distinctive nature of the trail means federal oversight must adapt to various local conditions and historical elements.
- Avoidance of eminent domain may limit certain administrative capacities related to land improvements.
- Economic benefits from increased tourism largely depend on marketing and local business initiatives.
- There could be substantial non-monetary benefits from preserving cultural and historical landmarks on Route 66.