Expiring Law Could Leave Oklahoma Route 66 Towns Without Funding

Route 66, the historic American roadway that linked Chicago to the West Coast, soon may be dropped from a National Park Service preservation program.

A federal law authorizing the Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program is set to expire in two years and with it would go millions of dollars in grants for reviving old tourist spots in struggling towns.

Landmarks Illinois director Frank Butterfield says small communities across eight states, including Oklahoma could miss out on much needed economic development funding.

The program has helped finance projects like the Firestone Station restoration in Bristow; the Arcadia Round Barn restoration; Circle Cinema facade restoration as well as the Cities Service Station restoration on Southwest Boulevard in Tulsa.

4/12/2012 Related Story: Arcadia's Round Barn to Celebrate Its Renovation

3/24/2009 Related Story: Tulsa's Circle Cinema Restoration Back On Track

Decommissioned as a U.S. highway in 1985, Route 66 connected tourists with friendly diners and motor lodges in small towns.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.