Five U.S. senators on Thursday introduced bipartisan legislation to designate Route 66 as a National Historic Trail.
According to the Amarillo Globe-News, the senators are Ted Cruz, R-Texas, Alex Padilla, D-Calif.; Eric Schmitt, R-Mo.; Mark Kelly, D-Ariz.; and Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill. — all from states where historic Route 66 traverses.
Similar legislation is being brought to the U.S. House by Rep. Darin LaHood, R-Ill.
The text of either bill had not been posted as of Thursday night.
The newspaper reported:
Supporters say the bill would safeguard the road’s history and ensure that new and existing energy projects along its path remain protected. […]
A National Historic Trail designation authorizes the National Park Service to recognize and help preserve significant routes that shaped the nation’s history. Such status can provide technical assistance, interpretive signage, and eligibility for certain federal preservation grants, helping states and communities maintain historic landmarks while encouraging tourism and education.
If enacted, the designation would bolster efforts to preserve the highway’s landmarks and promote tourism ahead of Route 66’s 100th anniversary.
Here is what a few of the lawmakers stated about making Route 66 a National Historic Trail:
Cruz: “Texas is proud to be home to part of the iconic Route 66, and I am honored to lead the effort in designating this highway as a historic trail. This bill is long overdue and will enshrine Route 66’s status as a National Historic Trail. I urge my colleagues to expeditiously advance this bill and send it to the President.”
Padilla: “Generations of Americans have driven the 2,400-mile road from Illinois to California along Route 66, weaving through the Mojave Desert on their way to the iconic End of the Trail sign at the Santa Monica Pier. This overdue bipartisan effort would solidify Route 66’s place as a National Historic Trail, preserving the integrity of the trail and honoring its legacy as the Mother Road for American automobiles.”
Schmitt: “Route 66 is a vital and historic highway that connects the heartland of America to the West, creating jobs and economic opportunities in communities across Missouri. Designating this iconic roadway as a National Historic Trail will provide the resources needed to ensure this historic route is preserved and protected for future generations to travel and enjoy.”
LaHood: “From Main Street businesses to local tourism, Route 66 continues to be an engine of economic growth in Illinois’ 16th Congressional District and beyond. Designating Route 66 as a National Historic Trail will help rehabilitate and preserve this iconic highway, while supporting the economic well-being of communities along its route.”
In recent years, Congress has made several attempts to designate Route 66 a National Historic Trail.
I’m cautiously optimistic it will pass, but I’ve said that before. And time is rapidly running out to get it done before the highway’s centennial in 2026.
Route 66 News advocated for making Route 66 such a trail in 2012.
(Image of Route 66 near Oatman, Arizona, by Vicente Villamon via Flickr)