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| Wilson Introduces Legislation to Promote Tourism Along Route 66 |
May 15, 2008 |
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Bill will preserve and maintain buildings and businesses along historic road
Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Heather Wilson (R-NM) today introduced legislation to help promote tourism along Route 66 and preserve the route’s legendary landmarks, buildings, and businesses. Historic Route 66 stretches from Chicago to Santa Monica, CA, and passes directly through New Mexico.
Route 66 was created in 1926, but in 1985 traffic began to be diverted to larger interstates. As a result, owners of the buildings and businesses that provided the culture and character of the route began to fall under hard economic times, and their structures fell into disrepair.
In 1999, Congress passed the original Route 66 Corridor Preservation Act to assist these businesses and allow for the historic buildings to be preserved and maintained. This bill is set to expire this year, and Wilson’s legislation will continue the program through 2019.
“Preservation of the old Route 66 is important historically because of the role it played in the development of the American West, and also for the economy of the towns along the route,” Wilson said. It’s important that we preserve Route 66 as a part of American history and as a way to keep the economy and tourism strong in the towns along the way.”
Wilson’s legislation will allow the National Park Service to continue collaborating with individuals, non-profits, tribes, and government agencies to preserve the most representative and historic properties in the eight states through which Route 66 passes, and to continue the tradition of Route 66 as a tourist attraction.
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