Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity this week announced seven awards, totaling $3.3 million, through the Route 66 Grant Program.
This funding is intended to boost local tourism and attract visitors to Route 66, leading up to the 100th anniversary of the highway in 2026, according to a news release from the agency.
These are the projects that are being funded:
— Bloomington-Normal Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, $180,400 to research, design and install murals in Lexington, Bloomington and McLean, install EV chargers in Normal and create Route 66 centennial signs.
— Choose Chicago, $142,500 to organize the Route 66 Classic Car show and develop tours in Chicago.
— Discover Downstate Illinois, $50,763 to support the Celebration of Route 66 Festival, featuring the Midwest Drag Racing Series and various musical performances.
— Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau, $892,000 to design, engineer and install electric signs and EV stations along with renovations to the Ariston Cafe and a mural project at the Skyview Drive-In, both in Litchfield.
— Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau, $600,000 to support Route 66 statewide marketing and promotions, including projects such as the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway Visitors Guide, festivals and more.
— Heritage Corridor Destinations, $1.25 million to enhance Route 66 exhibits and museums, including signage, kiosks and EV stations.
— Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau, $232,000 to develop and install structures for the Illinois State Fairgrounds Route 66 Experience, enhance the World’s Largest Route 66 sign, construct and install other classic neon signs throughout Springfield and support the preservation of oral history and audio recordings for future Route 66 attractions and preservation efforts of the Lincoln Information Center.
The grants aim to boost tourism, education, preservation and promotion of Route 66 while prioritizing the needs of future travelers with projects focused on future transportation and tourism trends such as electric vehicles.
“Like so many great things, Route 66 begins in Chicago, travels Illinois, and spreads across the country delighting millions and forming an essential part of our nation,” Pritzker said. “These investments will enhance visitor experiences and build on existing attractions to ensure Illinois and Route 66 remain vibrant elements of American culture and tradition for many years to come.”
In April, the agency gave another $6.6 million to Route 66 and local tourism efforts.
(Image of the Ariston Cafe in Litchfield, Illinois, by Alan Berning via Flickr)
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