Some time ago, we reported on a Route 66 revitalization program in Arizona concerning abandoned properties that once contained underground fuel tanks. There was some concerns by Route 66 aficionados that the bureaucrats would run roughshod.

My concerns have been allayed somewhat by this report by the Holbrook Tribune-News. The public hearings had a lot of input from the Route 66 community, including the Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program and the Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona.

One of those resources is the National Park Service’s Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program.

“We help identify the most significant resources and develop plans for them,” explained Cultural Resource Specialist Kaisa Barthuli.

According to Barthuli, the program can provide grant funding, technical assistance and community outreach assistance.

…

Tom Spear of the Route 66 Association of Arizona explained Route 66 has been designated as a National Scenic Byway.

“This opens up the opportunity for funding on a national level,” he said. “So far, Arizona has not gotten any of those funds.”

According to Spear, his association has been working to establish a grant coordinator who will be located in Flagstaff.

“This person will help you access the grants that are available,” he remarked.

Spear also explained that his group is working to have the Arizona portion of Route 66 designated as an All American Highway.

“If we can get just a few more states on board then it can be designated an All American Road, and that opens up opportunities for promotion,” Spear said. “I don’t think anyone in this room doubts the power of Route 66 when it comes to attracting tourists.”

With the apparent involvement of the Route 66 community, I’m reasonably confident the program will be more of an asset than a boondoggle.

Dennis has crossed the border — from Texas into New Mexico!  The next place you can find him, if you are interested in meeting up with him to chat or just plain give him encouragement, is at the Dan C. Trigg Memorial Hospital in Tucumcari, NM.  He’ll be visiting their Physical Therapy department this Monday, spending some low-key, quality time with staff and patients. 

Event Location and Time

Dan C. Trigg Memorial Hospital, Physical Therapy Department

301 E Miel De Luna

Tucumcari, New Mexico

Monday, February 6

2 PM till clinic close

Harland Williams, an actor, comedian and artist, gives a few details on his Web site about his in-production DreamWorks animated movie based on Route 66.

Well, time for some new details about the movie. Right now it’s tenatively called ROUTE 66. The story follows a group of eccentric roadside statues that mysteriously come to life and take a fun filled road trip along historic Route 66. It’s a fun-filled adventure with a bit of a love story thrown in as well. I’ll keep you posted!!

The IMDB Web site lists a 2007 release. I surfed the DreamWorks Web site, and found nothing about it. I hope the project is not endangered by DreamWorks being bought out by Paramount Pictures and a bunch of layoffs reported Thursday.

The proposal to designate El Vado Motel a city landmark at the Albuquerque City Council meeting Monday night has been placed on the agenda. It’s not 100 percent certain, but the fact it’s on the agenda means a decision is probable.

So if you haven’t e-mailed the councilors, asking them to approve the landmarks designation, you can do so here. Instructions on what tone to write can be found here. And if you can attend the meeting and give a two-minute comment to support El Vado, please do so.