Illinois announces $4 million grant program for Route 66

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker and the state's Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity on Thursday announced the creation of a $4 million grant program "for the development of tourism, education, preservation, and promotion of the 100th Anniversary of Route 66" in 2026. According to a news release from the state government: This funding opportunity supports … Continue reading Illinois announces $4 million grant program for Route 66

Arizona Route 66 Association today offers two new grant opportunities

The Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona and the Arizona Community Foundation again are partnering to offer cost-share grant opportunities. The association, in a new program, is offering cost-share grants from $500 to $10,000 to businesses, attractions, chambers of commerce and community organizations. Applications, which are available here, will be taken from today through April … Continue reading Arizona Route 66 Association today offers two new grant opportunities

Grants soon will open Route 66 Neon Drive-Thru

The city of Grants, New Mexico, is opening a Route 66 Neon Drive-Thru -- a neon-outlined Route 66 shield motorists can drive their cars or pickups through. A ceremonial ribbon-cutting for the structure will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, according to a Facebook post by Grants Mainstreet Project Inc. Lemonade, watermelon and live music will be … Continue reading Grants soon will open Route 66 Neon Drive-Thru

The curse of Grants uranium mines

The nonprofit magazine In These Times recently published an in-depth article about uranium miners in the Route 66 town of Grants, New Mexico. The mines operated in Grants and Church Rock, New Mexico, from the 1950s to the 1980s. Many miners contracted cancer and other diseases from radiation exposure. The federal government under the Radiation … Continue reading The curse of Grants uranium mines

Route 66-themed fiesta to replace Grants Fire & Ice Rally

A Route 66-themed fiesta is slated to replace the Fire & Ice Bike Rally in Grants, New Mexico, weeks after the mayor cast a tie-breaking vote to cancel the downtown motorcycle event after 15 years. The Cibola County Beacon reported the new festival will take place in the third weekend of July 2016, with a … Continue reading Route 66-themed fiesta to replace Grants Fire & Ice Rally

Route 66 museum, convention center proposed in downtown Grants

A committee that is seeking new ways to use the Cibola County Building and Grounds site once its is vacated is proposing a convention center and Route 66 museum, according to the Cibola County Beacon. The county's administrative, district court and attorney offices, adult probation and parole and regional dispatch office will move from 515 … Continue reading Route 66 museum, convention center proposed in downtown Grants

Grants / Milan airport building added to National Register

A 1953 flight service station building at the Grants / Milan Municipal Airport in New Mexico this month was added to the National Register of Historic Places after three years of restoration. The building, part of the Western New Mexico Aviation Heritage Museum, is designed to honor aviation pioneers of the late 1920s and '30s … Continue reading Grants / Milan airport building added to National Register

Grants mayor wants to end Fire and Ice Bike Rally

Grants, New Mexico, Mayor Martin Hicks and several city councilors want to end the city's annual Historic Route 66 Fire and Ice Bike Rally because of a spike in crime at the event last month and fears of a "major incident" breaking out at future events. According to the Cibola County Beacon newspaper: According to … Continue reading Grants mayor wants to end Fire and Ice Bike Rally

Route 66 program is accepting grant applications

The Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program announced Thursday it has opened its 2014 season for accepting applications for cost-share grants. The deadline to submit an application is March 28. It requires a minimum investment of 50 percent of the cost. Nearly $1.8 million in grants have been awarded since 2001. Forms and more about the … Continue reading Route 66 program is accepting grant applications