By Cole Lauterbach/Illinois Radio Network
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Illinois’ federal delegation is trying to get Route 66 a new federal designation – and permanent upkeep dollars – before the program hits a dead end next year.
The Mother Road originally stretched from Lake Shore Drive in downtown Chicago and wound through eight states before ending at the ocean in southern California. Over the years, parts have been replaced by interstate roads and merged with other highways. The road’s upkeep costs are partially funded by a National Park Service program that ends next year.
The Congressional Budget Office estimates that the eight states that hold portions of the road would split $2 million over the next five years.
Congressman Rodney Davis, R-Taylorville said he, Rep. Darin LaHood, R-Dunlap, and others want to make the highway a historic trail, ensuring federal funds to help with upkeep every year.
“This is the time where we can highlight what the road meant to America,” he said.
Their bill passed in the House and could soon be considered in the Senate.
Illinois appropriated $200,000 for the road in 2017 under a special fund. Should the legislation get President Donald Trump’s signature, Illinois would get part of $5 million over five years.
The lure of Route 66 is what has kept many small business’s doors open over the years.
“History brings economic development and economic growth to our rural communities in and around central and southern Illinois,” Davis said.
A bill on Gov. Bruce Rauner’s desk would establish an Illinois commission to commemorate the 2026 centennial of the road.
If designated, Route 66 would be the 20th National Historic Trail.
