The initial application period for the Oklahoma Route 66 Grant program opened Friday, making $6.6 million available to municipalities, nonprofits and government entities on Route 66.
Oversight for the grants will be by the Oklahoma Route 66 Commission, comprised of Oklahoma residents who live and work on the Mother Road.
The application period will close at 5 p.m. on Feb. 2.
To be eligible, projects must support historic preservation or promote economic development on Route 66. Projects may be used for capital investments and/or a limited number of promotional purposes.
Examples of possible projects could be placemaking, facility enhancement, preservation efforts, new construction, planning, research, signage, etc. Oklahoma Route 66 Grant requests must range from $25,000 to $2 million.
“The Oklahoma Route 66 Grant program is an opportunity to bring new life to Oklahoma’s stretch of Route 66,” Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell said. “Fifty-two percent of sales tax collected in Oklahoma is from our communities along Route 66. With the centennial celebration quickly approaching, there has never been a better time to invest in the Mother Road. I am excited to see the unique project ideas and how they will bring new economic development to Oklahoma.”
At least one municipality has stated it will apply for the grant. The City of Catoosa is seeking an ambitious development plan for its Blue Whale site.
(Image of an Oklahoma Route 66 sign in Chandler, Oklahoma, by scott.tanis via Flickr)