The city government of Chandler, Oklahoma, recently announced it has implemented a neon-sign grant program for its Route 66 corridor.
The program provides cost-share funds for businesses that want to make a custom neon sign or fix an existing one.
Here are the requirements:
- Eligible businesses must be on Route 66 and within city limits.
- Signs may be new signs or restored signs.
- Businesses must buy the sign upfront, and the city will reimburse them for up to 50% of the cost, not to exceed $1,500 per application.
- Only three recipients will be awarded each year.
- The deadline for applications is Aug. 30.
More terms and conditions of the grants may be found here.
Filled applications must be submitted in person at Chandler City Hall at 414 Manvel Ave. (aka Route 66). The application can be downloaded here.
The Oklahoma Route 66 Association also is proposing its own neon-sign grant program, but it remains dependent on whether it receives funding from the state’s Route 66 Revitalization Fund. There is no guarantee of the funds; the deadline to apply is June 20.
Chandler undoubtedly took a cue from Albuquerque and Tulsa (the latter which is about an hour’s drive away) for their Route 66 neon-sign grant programs.
I wouldn’t be surprised if several other cities along the route launch similar initiatives for the highway’s centennial in 2026.
(Hat tip to the Oklahoma Route 66 Association; image of the Lincoln Motel sign in Chandler, Oklahoma, via the City of Chandler)
Lincoln Motel used to be awesome. The current owner has ruined it. They should figure out how to eject him from his role and restore the beautiful little motel. Just look at all the crap on that sign, below the neon. Shameful.