|
 The two congressmen in February introduced legislation to establish
a commission to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Route 66 and
establish the route as a National Historic Trail. Butler introduced
legislation in the Illinois State House to establish a state of
Illinois Route 66 Centennial Commission.
The three were joined in Lincoln in front of the Railsplitter
Covered Wagon by both Lincoln Mayor Marty Neitzel and incoming Mayor
Seth Goodman.
LaHood began by thanking all who had come out to hear them speak. He
introduced Davis and Butler, then said they were on hand to talk
about Route 66 and the legislation they have introduced in support
of the great historic highway.
LaHood said his legislation will establish Route 66 as a National
Trail that would open the doors for the preservation of the road and
its sites, and would also open the doors to grant funding for
attractions along the way.
He noted that Route 66 was a road system that should be promoted as
a tourist attraction for those who enjoy great road trips and small
towns.
Davis spoke second sharing information about his legislation that
will give national attention to the 100th anniversary of Route 66.
He said that his work to help celebrate this great route was a
humbling event for him personally.
He noted that the centennial anniversary is coming in 2026. He said
the legislation needs to be passed now so that plans can be made and
work done to make the anniversary memorable.
Butler, who spends a great deal of time in Lincoln spoke about what
he knows is going on in the community. He noted the new Route 66
signage bringing tourists into the Lincoln's downtown area. He spoke
about the demolition of the Tropics Restaurant saying that for many
it was a sad thing. But, he noted that the new property owner at the
corner is providing a great new offering in the community by
developing the new McDonalds. He noted that owner Jack Mullins was
also to be commended for bringing the Tropics sign back to the
corner where the restaurant stood, and said it would be a great new
attraction.
[to top of second column] |
He noted that Route 66 was a big part of the district
he represents and he sees daily the economic impact of Route 66
tourism, and he wants to work to keep Route 66 strong in his
district and throughout the state. With that he has introduced into
state legislation House Bill 66 that will also commemorate the 100th
anniversary of the Mother Road.
Butler ended saying that he had very much enjoyed spending time with
outgoing Mayor Neitzel and was looking forward to getting to know,
and work with incoming Mayor Seth Goodman.
Neitzel commented that as she leaves office, she has enjoyed serving
the city and spending time with Butler and others in promoting
Lincoln. Goodman also commented saying that he looked forward to the
future and to spending time with the state representative and others
in promoting tourism in Lincoln.
The last act of the day was for everyone to gather in front of the
wagon for a group picture, and also for a “Route 66 Selfie.” For
those who may not be aware, Route 66 Scenic Byways promotes having
tourists take selfies as they travel the Mother Road, and submit
them to the commission.
The traveling trio - LaHood, Davis, and Butler then moved on to
Atlanta where they stopped at the Palms Grill, again delivering a
similar message.
[Nila Smith]
Information
below provided by Darin LaHood's office:
Route 66 Facts
-
Route 66 covers
roughly 2,400 miles- from Chicago, IL to Santa Monica, CA (seven
states).
-
Constructed in 1926,
totally paved by 1937.
-
Route 66 was
officially decommissioned in 1985.
-
In 2005, Route 66
was named a National Scenic Byway.
Route 66 Statistics
-
Using the economic
multiplier effect, Route 66 generates 2,400 jobs, $262 million
in overall output, and $37 million in tax revenues.
-
According to a 2012
Rutgers study, the average Route 66 travel party spends $1,500
to $2,000.
-
The Rutgers study
found residents of all 50 states and 40 foreign countries
traveling Route 66.
Route 66 Economic
Impact
*According to the U.S. Travel Association
-
Illinois: $34
billion expenditures, 292.54 million jobs, $1.6 billion state
taxes, and $815 million local taxes
-
McLean County: $366
million tourism expenditures, 2,770 jobs, and $6.15 million
local taxes
-
Logan County: $39.77
million tourism expenditures, 180 jobs, and $530,000 local taxes
-
Sangamon County:
$431.7 million tourism expenditures, 3,340 jobs, and $8.21
million local taxes
|
