The U.S. Senate approved the massive public lands bill by a 73-21 margin Thursday afternoon, reported the Clovis (N.M.) News-Journal.
The measure contains 160 bills, including a reauthorization of the well-regarded Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program for another 10 years. The Route 66 program provides cost-share grants and other assistances to historic businesses and property owners on the Mother Road, and had been slated to sunset in late 2009.
The measure had been held up for weeks by a legislative hold by Sen. Tom Coburn (R-Okla.). But Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid called a rare Sunday session a few days ago, and the Senate easily advanced the measure.
A similar measure goes to the House. The bill, reintroduced by Sen. Jeff Bingaman (D-N.M.) last week, will likely be among the first bills signed into law by President-elect Barack Obama.
That’s great news, Ron. I’m glad that it looks likely that they will continue the program.