Though its popular and well-regarded cost-share grant program legislatively expired last fall with little chance of renewal, the Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program continues to offer aid to the public.
Kaisa Barthuli, program manager for the National Park Service program, stated in an email Friday:
As you likely are aware, the authorizing legislation for the Route 66 Corridor Preservation Cost-Share Grants expired on September 30, 2019. As a result, we will not have a 2020 grant season. However, the National Trails office will continue to provide limited Route 66 technical assistance to the public, and provide support to national, collaborative efforts that strive to preserve and commemorate historic Route 66 such as the Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership and Research Route 66. We are also preparing a summary of Route 66 successes over the past 20 years of NPS involvement and ongoing needs to help guide and inform preservation efforts moving into the future.
Many of you have asked about the status of federal legislation that would permanently designate Route 66 as an NPS National Historic Trail (HR 801) and create a federal Route 66 centennial commission (HR 66). You can follow the progress of these bills at www.loc.gov, or contact the Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership for more information.
Barthuli also touched on the ongoing coronavirus pandemic that is adversely affecting many Route 66 businesses:
I hope you are all safe and well. I know we share serious concerns about the impact of COVID-19 on Route 66 communities. There are no easy answers, and I know that many people and businesses are already deeply affected. I also know how resilient and resourceful Route 66 is. Route 66 has weathered many conditions over its nearly 100-years of existence, and through ongoing collaboration and support, it will weather many more. As we move through these uncertain times and the impacts of social distancing, I hope we will find many new, creative ways to support the road. Consider the following ideas to stay connected and express your on-going support:
— Read up on Route 66 history… become familiar with fantastic materials available through Research Route 66.
— Share your Route 66 memories on social media.
— Call or write your favorite Route 66 businesses and historic sites to tell them why they are important to you.
— Start a social media campaign on all the ways we can support Route 66 historic sites, businesses, and communities during this time.
I’m sure there are many other creative ideas out there… please share them widely!
Barthuli said she’s working full time but telecommuting during the pandemic. She can be reached at kaisa_barthuli@nps.gov or (505) 988-6701 if you want to let her know how you’re doing.
(Screen-capture image from National Park Service video of Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program director Kaisa Barthuli at the Rio Puerco Bridge west of Albuquerque)