Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representatives Darin LaHood (R-IL) and Grace Napolitano (D-CA) reintroduced legislation to designate Route 66 as a National Historic Trail.
“Route 66 is a crucial transportation artery that connects America’s heartland to the west,” said Rep. LaHood. “The Mother Road provides powerful economic development tools for communities throughout Illinois, creating jobs and opportunity for 18th District residents. Designating Route 66 as a National Historic Trail would provide this highway with a permanent program to preserve, promote, and economically develop it. As we kick off the summer months and Americans begin to travel again, I am proud to once again partner with Rep. Napolitano to designate Route 66 a National Historic Trail and give it the appropriate designation it deserves.”
“National Historic Trail designation would deliver much-needed federal dollars, resources, and jobs to our San Gabriel Valley communities and the countless others across the eight states which proudly claim a portion of Route 66. Providing critical funds to be used in close coordination with cities and stakeholders, our legislation will help rehabilitate, improve, and preserve the legacy of the iconic road, benefiting millions of residents and boosting our economic recovery. With more and more Americans getting vaccinated, businesses reopening, and families eager to travel, I am proud to again join Congressman LaHood in introducing this bipartisan bill and urge all of our colleagues to support it,” added Rep. Napolitano.
"Congressman LaHood and Congresswoman Napolitano deserve many thanks for their ongoing efforts to secure National Historic Trail designation for Route 66. The Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership is grateful for all their support and look forward to the eventual passage of this legislation," said Bill Thomas, Chairman of the Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership.
“Historic Route 66 is internationally recognized as an iconic symbol representing America’s love of the open road. Its rich history as a Dustbowl migration route, World War II strategic military route, and a vacation travel route has been celebrated in music, literature, television, movies, and popular lore,” said Pam Bowman, Senior Director of Public Lands Policy at the National Trust for Historic Preservation. “We enthusiastically endorse the bipartisan bill that would designate Route 66 as a national historic trail and appreciate Representatives Darin LaHood and Grace Napolitano for their years of leadership supporting preservation of this nationally significant route.”
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