Swa Frantzen, who runs the Historic 66 Web site, advises roadies it might be wise to go to Arizona and start snapping pictures of old abandoned gas stations along the Mother Road.
Why? Because of this program, which has been reported here on this site and yesterday in the Business Journal of Phoenix. It’s run by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality and is called a “redevelopment” program, which sounds a bit ominous for a buzzword. It’s co-sponsored by the federal EPA.
There’s going to be a meeting about the program on Thursday in Winslow and on Friday in Holbrook. More about the meetings can be found here.
I generally support the program. The issue of abandoned underground fuel tanks has dogged Route 66 for years and has kept entrepreneurs from starting new businesses. But I’d hate to see the remains of a Whiting Brothers station come down.
Let’s hope that when the gas tank problem is taken care of, that people will understand that the old gas station archetecture (especially really old or unique ones)is worthy of saving and find other uses for them.
There can be no doubt that something has to be done with the leaking gas tanks.
My advise, alway fuel up with the option comes up on I-40. therefore, it is not just plan dum, it is dangerours to people satey and maube agains the law. because their may not be the option to pull over to have enough room for other cars to go around.
Last. AAA is higly advise, but take responsiblity, do not run out of fuel. paying $3 gallon is cheeper then $2.50 gallon when running out of fuel.
Thank you