GALENA, Kan. (KOAM) - Kansas is gearing up for the 100th anniversary celebration of Route 66, America s Main Street. Although the centennial isn t until 2026, the festivities are already underway.
GALENA, Kan. — The city of Galena, Kansas, and the Kansas Historic Route 66 Association are kicking off the Route 66 Centennial in Kansas on Friday, May 17, with a
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A bill celebrating the 100-year anniversary of Route 66 awaits the presidentâs signature after it was passed by Congress, paving the way for future preservation efforts to commemorate the iconic roadway.
Route 66 was designated in 1926 after the Bureau of Public Roads launched the nationâs first federal highway system, joining together existing local and state roads from Chicago through St. Louis to Los Angeles. Though Route 66 was decommissioned in 1985, the road continues to be a popular tourist destination for both domestic and international travelers.
The Route 66 Centennial Commission Act establishes a 15-member commission from each of the eight states along the highway to honor the routeâs 100th birthday in 2026. The president will appoint commissioners based on the recommendation of the secretary of transportation, Senate and House majority leaders, and governors of the eight Route 66 states.