Nominees sought for Illinois Route 66 Centennial Commission

This summer, the governor signed the Illinois Route 66 Centennial Commission bill into law, and now the panel seeks three people to fill available seats, including one that will lead it.

Unlike a lot of nominating rules, people in this instance can nominate themselves. Gov. Bruce Rauner has the last say over who gets the nod. Rauner said:

“Illinois holds the distinction of being the starting point for this legendary highway, and we are proud of the historic preservation efforts that have boosted tourism along our portion of Route 66. The 100th anniversary of this iconic road is worthy of celebrating all along its path.

“But I am confident that the members of this commission will ensure that Illinois plays host to events and activities that will be the envy of Mother Road states, and I encourage anyone interested to apply.”

The nominating form is here. Be sure you choose “Illinois Route 66 Centennial Commission” in the “Board or Commission name” field.

State Rep. Tim Butler (R-Springfield) shepherded the bill through the Illinois Legislature into law.

The Illinois Route 66 Centennial Commission will contain 20 members in all. According to the Edwardsville Intelligencer:

Along with the governor’s selections, eight appointments to the commission shall be made by Senate and House majority and minority leaders. Also serving on the commission will be the president of the Route 66 Association of Illinois and the executive director of the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway, or their designees.

Rounding out the commission shall be seven ex-officio members to include the following officials or their designees: the governor, the secretary of the Department of Transportation; the director of the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency; the Department of Natural Resources director; the director of the Office of Tourism; the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity director; and the director of the State Archives.

No deadline was listed for nominations, so it probably would be wise to send one promptly.

A similar Route 66 centennial bill awaits action in the U.S. Senate after the House approved it unanimously this summer. Another bill awaiting Senate approval is the Route 66 National Historic Trail Act, which also passed the House without objection.

Missouri enacted a Route 66 centennial commission law, and Oklahoma reportedly is looking at such legislation, too.

Route 66 marks its centennial in 2026. The widely acknowledged date it came into existence is Nov. 11, 1926, when all U.S. highways officially were commissioned by the federal government.

(Image of Route 66 directional sign in Illinois by Mike Linksvayer via Flickr)

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