US Senate bill would designate Route 66 as historic trail

(AP) Missouri and Kansas supporters are optimistic that the iconic Route 66 is on the road to becoming part of a National Historic Trail.

U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Jim Inhofe announced last week that a bipartisan bill would include Route 66 in the National Trails System Act. The House of Representatives passed a similar bill in June.

The route connected Chicago to Los Angeles and was an economic boon for small towns here in the four state area before the interstate system was built.

Supporters say the designation would revitalize towns along the historic corridor. The proposal would allow the National Park Service to administer Route 66. The agency would award federal funds for preservation, development and promotion of the historic roadway.