Last grants coming for endangered Route 66 program
Posted March 22, 2019 12:32 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Final grant season for an endangered federal program that’s helped preserve the historic Route 66 Highway for two decades is ending next month.
The Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program is accepting grant applications until April 12 and it’s not clear if Congress will continue the project.
At risk are millions of dollars in grants aimed at reviving old tourist spots in struggling towns.
The program has helped finance projects like the El Vado Motel neon sign restoration in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and the Baxter Springs Independent Oil and Gas Station restoration in Kansas. It’s administered by the National Park Service.
Decommissioned as a U.S. highway in 1985, Route 66 went through eight states, connecting tourists with friendly diners and motor lodges in small towns.
Russell Contreras, The Associated Press
