Route 66 projects get grant funding

Governor J.B. Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Com- merce and Economic Opportu- nity (DCEO) today announced $4 million in grant awards for various projects across the state designed to spur tourism, bolster educational opportunities, and support an increase of electric vehicle (EV) travel – which will create and modernize attractions along the Mother Road leading up to the 100th anniversary of Route 66. This grant – which was open to Illinois' Certified Convention and Visitor Bureaus (CVBs) – was awarded to Great Rivers and Routes CVB, Heri- tage Corridor CVB, Visit Oak Park CVB, and Springfield CVB for innovative projects that span Route 66 throughout the state.

“These projects honor the history of Route 66 while also building for the future with new attractions and upgrades that benefit communities across Illinois,” said Pritzker. “I can’t think of a better way to prepare for Route 66’s centennial cel- ebration than revitalizing and creating attractions along the Mother Road.”

Projects include: the instal- lation of EV charging stations along Route 66 in Berwyn, Pontiac, and Wilmington; an interactive virtual reality ex- hibit designed to highlight the experience of Black Americans living or traveling along Route 66 in Springfield; transforming a service station into a Route 66 Visitors Center in Edwardsville; and a statewide Route 66 mar- keting campaign.

“From forward-looking proj- ects like new electric vehicle charging stations, to projects that recognize Illinois’ rich his- tory, these Route 66 projects truly bridge the past and pres- ent of one of America’s greatest road trips,” said DCEO Director, Sylvia I. Garcia. “Under Gover- nor Pritzker’s leadership, Illinois has prioritized investments in the unique locations and attrac- tions that make Illinois a great place to live, work and visit.”

With more than 300 miles of Route 66 in Illinois from its starting point in Chicago to the Chain of Rocks Bridge, Route 66's economic and historical impact is woven into the fabric of communities across the state. Route 66 is one of the most fa- mous roads in America, and it serves as an important historical and cultural symbol. Route 66 was designated in 1926 as part of the new numbered highway network and grew to be one of the most well-known and trav- elled highways. The construc- tion of Route 66 helped make the Western part of the United States accessible to anyone with a car, while generating economic benefits for many communities along the Route.

“Route 66 in Illinois is a

driver for both national and international travelers and these state grant funds will go a long way towards reinvigorating our Mother Road tourism products in southwest Illinois. Our region includes the Last 100 Miles of Route 66 in Illinois, and we plan to use the grant funds for a va- riety of innovative projects that benefit our communities. It’s key we do all of this now so we can take part in state and national celebrations of the 100th anni- versary of the Mother Road in 2026,” said Cory Jobe, Chair of the Illinois Route 66 Centennial Commission and President/CEO of the Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau.

“I’m absolutely thrilled about being awarded a Route 66 Grant from DCEO. As we prepare for the centennial anniversary of Route 66 in 2026, I’m excited this grant program will allow for domestic and international marketing, new exhibits and roadside attractions along The First Hundred Miles, creation of a new Route 66 Welcome Center in Joliet, and EV stations in both Wilmington and Pontiac. Both cities are popular stops along Illinois Route 66 and these new EV charging stations will al- low visitors to linger longer by shopping, dining, and exploring while charging their EV on their iconic road trip experience,” said Robert Navarro, President and CEO, Heritage Corridor Convention and Visitors Bureau

“People come to Illinois from far and wide to travel Route 66, and the first leg of this famous roadway is right here in the western suburbs,” said Senate President Don Harmon. “The additional attractions and EV infrastructure will make this journey even more accessible and exciting.”

“Sharing our history with tourists is common for the Springfield community, but I am so proud that we will have a special emphasis on Black His- tory when we talk about Route 66,” said Sen. Doris Turner, (D-Springfield). “The City of Springfield and partnering com- munities along Route 66 will be using the latest technology to not just tell these stories but educate a new generation and lift up voices that were previously ignored.”

The grants go to:

Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau $1,170,523

Springfield will create a Route 66 Interactive Metaverse Exhibit using augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR). The exhibit will focus on the lived experiences of Black Americans traveling or living in communi- ties along Route 66 throughout history. The funding will also support a separate exhibit at the Illinois State Fairgrounds, featuring a replica of the entirety of Route 66, nostalgic signage and more.

Great Rivers and Routes Tour- ism Bureau $919,000

Great Rivers and Routes will retrofit the West End Service Station in Edwardsville to serve as a Route 66 visitor’s center, complete with museum quality exhibits, memorabilia, and local products. They will also develop murals and monuments through- out the region along the Route.

Heritage Corridor Convention and Visitors Bureau $1,575,488 The Heritage Corridor will use its funds for projects in in- dividual communities including electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in Wilmington and Pon- tiac, and a Route 66 welcome center in Joliet. They will also launch an integrated statewide marketing campaign focused on Route 66 destinations and attractions throughout the state. Visit Oak Park Convention

and Visitors Bureau $334,989 Visit Oak Park will place new electric vehicle (EV) charging stations along Ogden Ave (Route 66) in Berwyn, renovate its Route 66 wayside exhibit, add a new “Muffler Man” art instal- lation to top the famous Cigars and Striped BBQ, and make other upgrades to its Route 66

landmarks.