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Congressional Bills introduced for designation of Route 66 as a National Trail
 

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[February 10, 2017]  As a result of discussions last fall between the Rt. 66 Road Ahead Partnership and the offices of Congressman Darin LaHood (R-IL) and Congressman Rodney Davis (R-IL), the Road Ahead Partnership is pleased to announce the introduction in Congress of two bills to commemorate the historical significance of Route 66.

As a member of the Committee on Natural Resources, Rep. LaHood introduced H.R. 801, a bill to amend the National Trails System Act to designate the Route 66 National Historic Trail. As a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Rep. Davis introduced H.R. 66, a bill to establish a Federal commission to recommend activities to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Route 66 in 2026. Grace F. Napolitano (D-CA), a senior member of both the Transportation and Natural Resources Committees, proudly coauthored both pieces of legislation.

Bill Thomas, current Chairman of the Rt. 66 Road Ahead Partnership, noted, “Designating Rt. 66 a National Historic Trail was one of the most positively supported ideas raised at the series of Rt. 66 Collaboration Workshop meetings facilitated by the Road Ahead Partnership during the summer of 2015. These meetings were designed to solicit feedback/input from Rt. 66 stakeholders across the country regarding the proposed mission, outcomes, and goals of the Road Ahead Partnership. It is exciting to see the idea of Rt. 66 being designated a National Historic Trail take this major step forward. It is equally exciting to begin work on plans to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Mother Road in 2026. Many thanks to Representatives, LaHood, Davis, and Napolitano for their leadership on behalf of Rt. 66.”

“Spanning nearly a century, Route 66 has been a crucial transportation artery traveling through the heartland of America. The Mother Road has provided jobs and opportunities and been a powerful economic development tool for communities throughout Illinois and every state it runs through, as well as providing timeless memories for those traveling cross-country. It is time it receives the national recognition it deserves,” stated Rep. LaHood. “Designating Route 66 as a National Historic Trail would provide this highway with a permanent program to preserve, promote, and economically develop it. I am excited to partner with Rep. Davis and Rep. Napolitano to designate Route 66 a National Historic Trail and commence its centennial celebration.”

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“I am proud to have America’s most iconic road run through the middle of my district and it’s important we celebrate its history,” said Davis. “From providing thousands of jobs to unemployed workers during the Great Depression to transporting equipment and supplies for World War II to becoming a symbol of freedom and independence in the 1950s, Route 66 has been the ‘road to opportunity’ for millions of Americans throughout our history. I look forward to celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2026.”

Congresswoman Napolitano added, “Route 66 runs east to west through my entire district and is an integral part of California’s San Gabriel Valley’s culture and economy. Our local restaurants, shops, and other businesses, like so many others dotting the interstate from the heartland to the west coast, provide rest breaks for travelers, allowing them to sample the local flavors of our communities that are proud to be connected by the iconic road. As we begin looking toward the centennial, I am proud to partner with my Illinois colleagues, Congressmen Davis and LaHood, to revitalize and preserve Route 66 for future generations.”

The Rt. 66 Road Ahead Partnership is eager to track the progress of these two pieces of legislation as they work their way through Congress. For additional information contact:

[Bill Thomas
The Rt. 66 Road Ahead Partnership]

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