Sen. Cruz, others introduce legislation to designate Route 66 as National Historic Trail

U.S. Senators including Ted Cruz, R-Texas, introduced a bill this week to designate Route 66 as a National Historic Trail.

The legislation, proposed by Cruz as well as Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Kyrsten Sinema (I-Ariz.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.), and Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), would amend the National Trails System Act and make the designation without harming Texas and American energy development projects in the areas around Route 66, according to a news release from Cruz's press office.

“The great state of Texas is proud to be home to part of the iconic Route 66 and it’s an honor to work with my colleagues in a bipartisan fashion to designate this highway as a historic trail," Sen. Cruz said in the release. "Our bill to provide the designation will ensure this historic route is protected for years to come while doing so in a responsible way, and I’m proud to champion this effort for Texas.”

The legislation comes this week as National Route 66 Day was observed on Wednesday, July 26, and the route's upcoming 100th anniversary is set for 2026. Home to many Route 66 icons, Amarillo held a festival celebrating the roadway's upcoming centennial along Sixth Street in June.

More: Ahead of its 100th, here's a brief history of Route 66 and some notable Amarillo spots

"Route 66, also known as the Will Rogers Highway, is more than 2,400 miles long, stretching from Chicago, Illinois to Santa Monica, California, and crossing through eight states, including Texas. This legislation was previously introduced in 2022 by now-retired Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.)," the release stated.

The bill says the Route 66 National Historic Trail would include all the alignments of U.S. Highway 66 in existence between 1926 and 1985, as generally depicted on the map from the proposed route in December 2017.

The bill noted, "The Secretary of the Interior shall administer the Route 66 National Historic Trail in a manner that respects and maintains the idiosyncratic nature of the Route 66 National Historic Trail."

As written, the bill would limit any federal action in regard to federal permit requirements, land acquisition, buffer zones and right-of-way changes, among others. In addition, nothing "shall prohibit, hinder, or disrupt the development, production, transportation or transmission of energy."

Sen. Sinema said the bipartisan legislation about the Mother Road would honor Arizona's history and strengthen their economy. Sen. Schmitt said the route has a long and proud history in Missouri and “serves as a physical embodiment of America’s desire for westward expansion,” connecting communities and people for generations. Sen. Kelly said Route 66 has played an important role in Arizona’s history and its legacy remains central to the character of towns like Winslow, Flagstaff, and Kingman, and the trail would support small businesses and spur economic development in rural communities.

“Generations of Americans have driven the 2,400 mile road from Illinois to California along Route 66, weaving through the Mojave Desert on their way to the iconic End of the Trail sign at the Santa Monica Pier,” said Sen. Padilla. “I am proud to join my colleagues on both sides of the aisle in an effort to solidify Route 66’s place as a National Historic Trail.”

This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Bill introduced to designate Route 66 as National Historic Trail