The Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona recently awarded four cost-share grants worth $10,000 each to properties.
The grant awards were announced in the association’s newsletter, which was emailed this week.
1955 Texaco gas station, Winslow ($10,000): Plans include removing exterior paint to expose original white and green porcelain, replacing the garage door with a more authentic one, rehanging the original letters, replacing driveway and parking area. After the work, the property will be listed as historic.
Route 66 Railroad Museum, Winslow ($10,000): This is a chance to design and build a 5-foot-long bridge that connects the Winslow Visitor Center to the Santa Fe Rail Car parked on the east side of the building. They will also add heating, air conditioning, and electric to the rail car.
Grand Canyon Caverns highway sign restoration ($10,000): Time to perform a complete overhaul of the big Caverns sign on Route 66. That will involve welding, painting, structural repair, and replacing sign panels for a new eye-catching display for this classic roadside attraction.
66 Motor Palace preservation project, Winslow ($10,000): One last Winslow grant will bring electrical and insulation up to code in this former pool hall, motorcycle shop, and rather notorious after-hours club. That work will allow the installation of a vintage tin ceiling.
Those interested in securing a cost-share grant in the future are encouraged to go to the association’s website to view the rules and requirements and fill out an application.
The association receives revenue from the Arizona Route 66 license plate program it launched in December 2016 that generated $231,000 in its first year. The cash flow has enabled it to move away from being a membership-based organization.
(Image of the Texaco gas station in Winslow, Arizona, via the Historic Route 66 of Arizona Association newsletter)