Local Communities Awarded Route 66 Grants

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May 31, 2024

The Oklahoma Department of Commerce recently named 11 projects that have been selected to receive awards from the Oklahoma Route 66 Grant Program, with two western Oklahoma communities being awarded grants.

In December, Commerce announced the application process had opened to allow communities to apply for funding available to municipalities, nonprofits and government entities located on Route 66. The Oklahoma Route 66 Commission, comprised of nine commissioners, determined the award recipients based on the predetermined selection criteria.

Among the 11 selected, the City of Erick will receive $35,710, which will be used to restore the iconic vintage neon “West Winds Motel” sign on Route 66. The sign has been recognized in the National Register of Historic Places.

Also the City of Weatherford was awarded $927,500 of grant dollars that city officials say will be used to promote the city as “Space City” with various signage and landmarks erected throughout the city and on Route 66 itself.

It was also indicated that the signage and landmarks will not only honor Route 66, but also Weatherford native, Astronaut Thomas P. Stafford.

State officials say a second application phase for communities to submit projects is currently open and will close July 19.

Oklahoma Route 66 Grant requests must range from $25,000 to $2 million.

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