Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner on Tuesday signed and enacted a bill that creates a state Route 66 Centennial Commission.
According to a news release, the signing took place Tuesday in Plainfield.
The commission is tasked with developing plans for the 100th anniversary of Route 66 in 2026. The Illinois Route 66 Centennial Commission will consist of 20 members who reflect the interests, history and importance of the communities along historic Route 66 in Illinois.
The release stated:
State Sen. Pamela Althoff, R-McHenry, Rep. Tim Butler, R-Springfield, and others welcomed the legislation’s signing today in Plainfield, where Route 66 and the Lincoln Highway meet. Centennial events could include programs highlighting the growth of local communities as construction proceeded along the route, the cultural impact of Route 66 in the U.S. and globally, the portrayal of Route 66 in music, artwork and folklore, and guidance on how to maintain its mystique and appeal for future generations.
“Historic Route 66 is not only iconic, it plays an important role in our state and national history and culture,” said Althoff, chief Senate sponsor of the bill. “One hundred years later, the commission will develop a plan to highlight and celebrate Route 66, with events that will be enjoyed by both residents and visitors.”
“Route 66 begins right here in Illinois, and I am proud that our state will be leading the way to celebrate the centennial of this world-famous byway,” said Butler, the chief House sponsor of HB 66 and a member of the Illinois House Committee on Tourism, Hospitality and Craft Industry. “The Mother Road’s 100th birthday celebration will be an international event, and this commission will get us ready to welcome visitors from around the world who want to experience the magic of Route 66.”
Also according to the release:
“Illinois has a distinct place of honor in this famous road’s history. Not only is Chicago its starting point, our people were the first to pave it from end to end as it wound southwest toward St. Louis and on to the Missouri border,” Rauner said after signing HB 66. “This made it easier for motorists to travel and sparked a golden era of fun family road trips, with plenty of places to stop and enjoy along the way.
“Although it appeared destined to fade from history for a time after the new interstate highway system was built, today the route is once again a popular and enduring tourist attraction in our state,” he continued. “Illinois Historic Route 66 is a nationally designated scenic byway. This commission will put together events and programs worthy of our state’s place in Route 66 history, and I look forward to the celebration in 2026.” […]
“Today, the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway is the envy of the other seven states,” Butler said. “It is a true leader in activities and preservation.”
The governor also released two tweets Tuesday about the legislation:
Illinois is taking the lead to preserve America’s Mother Road: Route 66. One of the most storied roadways in the country, its starting point here in our state will attract thousands of travelers to experience a classic element of American history. pic.twitter.com/gwFu3vxrhN
— Governor Rauner (@GovRauner) July 31, 2018
Today’s signing forms the Route 66 Centennial Commission to promote events and programs focused on the road that connected Chicago to the California coast and supported the economies of communities along the way. Thanks to @RepTimButler & Rep. @mbatinick for the bill. pic.twitter.com/pRauCmkFw4
— Governor Rauner (@GovRauner) July 31, 2018
A similar Route 66 centennial bill awaits action in the U.S. Senate after the House approved it unanimously a few weeks ago. Another bill awaiting Senate approval is the Route 66 National Historic Trail Act, which also passed the House without objection.
(Image of Gov. Bruce Rauner signing the Illinois Route 66 Centennial Commission bill in Plainfield, Illinois, via Facebook)