The Joplin (Mo.) Globe reports that federal EPA and state officials are looking at ways to reuse abandoned gas stations along Route 66 into productive businesses. The discussion took place in Galena, Kan.
Doyle said a survey found 45 abandoned gas stations along Route 66 from St. Louis, Mo., to Baxter Springs. He said there are three such gas stations in Galena and at least six in Baxter Springs.
Doyle said buried fuel tanks pose environmental risks at abandoned gas stations. […]
Doyle said the EPA would finance environmental cleanups of one gas station each in Missouri and Kansas as part of a pilot program. He was asked by a meeting participant what level of funding would be provided.
“It depends,” Doyle said. “This is the first time we’ve done something like this.”
The story goes on to mention good gas-station reuses in the area, including the recently opened Route 66 Visitors Center in Baxter Springs, Kan., and the 4 Women on the Route visitors center and cafe in Galena.
The program is no doubt inspired by a similar one along Route 66 in Arizona, in which old underground gas tanks are removed to make the properties more attractive for reuse.
A few people have grumbled about the loss of these crumbling structures. I admit, there is beauty in decay in some instances. But eventually, these ruins crumble into dust and nothing is left to admire.
But, ultimately, a business along Route 66 is better than no business at all. The Mother Road is a road of commerce and always has been. If Route 66 continues to become more economically viable, the more tourists will flock to it.