Should Route 66 be a National Historic Trail? (H.R. 801)

What is H.R. 801?

(Updated April 12, 2019)

This bill ― the Route 66 National Historic Trail Designation Act― would designate an approximately 2,400 mile trail extending from Chicago, Illinois to Santa Monica, California as the Route 66 National Historic Trail.

Argument in favor

Route 66 is a historically important roadway that spans nearly a dozen states and three time zones, designating it as a national historic trail will help preserve it.

Argument opposed

Designating Route 66 as a national historic trail could interfere with the ability of state and local governments to develop the area.

Impact

Outdoor enthusiasts; local governments and communities near the would-be Route 66 National Historic Trail.

Cost of H.R. 801

The CBO estimates that implementing H.R. 801 would cost $2 million over the 2019-2023 period; such spending would be subject to the availability of appropriated funds.

Additional Info

In-Depth: Sponsoring Rep. Darin LaHood (R-IL) introduced this bill to designate Route 66 as a national historic trail:

“For nearly a century, Route 66 has been a crucial transportation artery for the heartland of America. Towns like Atlanta in my district and many others across our nation have seen the Mother Road keep tourism, employment and revenues up, leading to a higher quality of life and civic pride. It is vital that we highlight and preserve this national historic roadway for future generations, and today’s committee vote gets us one step closer to that goal.”

This legislation passed the House Natural Resources Committee unanimously and has the support of 21 bipartisan cosponsors, including 12 Democrats and nine Republicans.

Of Note: The federal government decommissioned Route 66 in 1985. Congress subsequently authorized the Route 66 Study Act in 1990 through Public Law 101-400, which directed the National Park Service to conduct a special resource study to present management and preservation options for the iconic road.

The finalized special resource study was released by the National Park Service in 1995. Congress later enacted Public Law 106-45 in 1999, which created the Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program, facilitating collaboration between private, nonprofit and government partners to identify and prioritize Route 66 preservation needs. The Preservation program was reauthorized in 2009, but is set to expire in 2019.

H.R. 801 succeeds the expiration of the Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program by designating Route 66 as a National Historic Trail. Additionally, under the NTSA, the NPS may be required to establish and manage an advisory council and develop a comprehensive management plan for the trail.

Media:

• Sponsoring Rep. Darin LaHood (R-IL) Press Release