Route 66 National Historic Trail Designation Act Returns to the U.S. House

On Monday, September 14, 2020, Congressman Darin LaHood (R-IL) introduced HR8240 in the U.S. House of Representatives. Congresswoman Grace Napolitano, [D-CA] co-sponsored the bill.

The proposed legislation would add Route 66 to the National Historic Trail routes. Known as the Route 66 national Historic Trail Designation Act, it first passed out of the House of Representatives in June 2018. A companion bill was introduced in the Senate, where it underwent some language changes before passing in August 2020.

Route 66 has been a crucial transportation artery for the heartland of America for nearly 100 years. Towns from the Midwest to the West Coast have seen the Mother Road bring tourism, employment, a higher quality of life, and civic pride to their communities. This legislation will allow visitors from around the world to experience the history of Route 66 and provide local businesses and tourism industries along the route with ongoing economic benefits.

Next year, Route 66 celebrates its 95th anniversary. As that historic milestone draws closer, the Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership can think of no better birthday present for the road than to make it a National Historic Trail. The Road Ahead commends the efforts of Congressman LaHood and Congresswoman Napolitano in introducing legislation to accomplish this designation.

Established in 2015, with the support of the National Park Service and the World Monuments' Fund, The Road Ahead Partnership’s mission is to revitalize and sustain Route 66 as a national and international icon through partnerships focused on promotion, preservation, research and education, as well as economic development.

Contact: Bill Thomas, Chair-Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership rt66theroadahead@gmail.com 217-648-5077