Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway announces round two of $5000 in byway project funds for byway member projects
 

[November 17, 2021]     On November 1, 2021, the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway launched the next round of Byway Project Funds to businesses and communities along Illinois Route 66.

These funds range in dollar amounts from
$500 - $1000 and are available to all Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway Members.

Project funding is used to support events, attractions, and projects that help preserve the heritage of Illinois Route 66 and promote travel to Illinois Route 66 communities and sites. Again, funds are available only to our Byway Members; if you're not a member and would like to take advantage of this program, join the Byway at www.illinoisroute66.org/membership. Visit our website to locate the application - click on the Support tab and scroll down (www.illinoisroute66.org).

The first round of recipients included:

• Litchfield Skyview Drive In received $1,000 for the repainting of their movie screen.

• Joliet Historical Museum/Old Joliet Prison received $1,000 for a series of informative and interpretative banners and signage throughout the site.

• City of Atlanta received $1,000 to be used towards the creation of interpretive panels for the Atlanta Coal Mining Company Historic Mine.

• Henry’s Rabbit Ranch received $750 to replace 3 of their outdoor sign panels.

• Village of Elkhart received $750 to advertise and support their June 12, 2021, Ribbon Cutting Opening Celebration event for the "Village of Elkhart Native Plant and Pollinator Habitat."

• City of Edwardsville received $500 to add photo opportunities, selfie stops and backdrop props at the Edwardsville Route 66 Festival held on June 12, 2021.

Casey Claypool, Executive Director said, “Many of our members are still struggling to recover from the pandemic, we are pleased to be able to provide some assistance to our members. As our program grows, we look forward to being able to increase the dollar amount and number of grants we can award.” Applications will be accepted through close of business on December 1, 2021.

[Geoff Ladd]