Washington, D.C. – Yesterday, the House Natural Resources Committee unanimously passed Congressman LaHood's bill, H.R. 4338 - Route 66 National Historic Trail Designation Act. The legislation would designate Route 66 as a National Historic Trail, expanding economic and historic development opportunities across all communities and states along the iconic Route 66.
“Route 66 is a vital and historic 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 opportunities for residents of the 16th District and beyond. Designating Route 66 as a National Historic Trail would provide this highway with a permanent support structure to preserve and promote Route 66 for future generations. I applaud the House Natural Resources Committee for unanimously passing my bill and urge the House to swiftly bring it to the floor."
“Route 66 is one of America’s iconic highways and is part of the fabric of our great nation,” said House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Bruce Westerman in a statement following yesterday’s markup. “Congressman LaHood’s Route 66 National Historic Trail Designation Act will ensure this classic piece of American history can be enjoyed and appreciated well into the future.”
Route 66 spans roughly 2,400 miles across eight states beginning in Chicago, crossing through Grundy, Livingston, and McLean County in Illinois’ 16th Congressional district, and ending in Santa Monica, California. Following yesterday’s passage out of the Natural Resources Committee, H.R. 4338 can now move to the full House of Representatives for consideration.
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