HR1478 - Commemorating the centennial of Route 66.

      H.R. No. 1478       R E S O L U T I O N          WHEREAS, Preparations are underway across the country for the   centennial of Route 66; and          WHEREAS, In 1926, the Bureau of Public Roads established the   nation's first federal highway system; like other highways in the   system, Route 66 was composed of existing local, state, and   national roads; it quickly gained popularity through the efforts of   the U.S. 66 Highway Association, which advertised it as the most   scenic route from Chicago through St. Louis to Los Angeles; and          WHEREAS, Stretching 2,400 miles across two-thirds of the   continent, Route 66 spanned some 200 miles in Texas, with the   highway's geographical midpoint located in Adrian; the highway   became a catalyst for growth as entrepreneurs in towns along its   length established small businesses to serve travelers; commerce   increased when the Great Depression impelled many Americans to move   in search of better lives; although tourism declined significantly   during World War II, the highway's function as a military transport   corridor benefited motels, gas stations, and restaurants;   moreover, job seekers headed out on the road to join the defense   plant workforce on the West Coast; and          WHEREAS, Route 66 boomed in the post-war years as rationing   and travel restrictions vanished and car ownership expanded; the   freedom of the highway was lauded by Bobby Troup's big hit, "Route   66," and a television series of the same name raised its profile   further; during the Eisenhower administration, however, the advent   of the interstate system led to incremental replacement of U.S. 66   over the next three decades; in 1984, I-40 bypassed the last section   of the road, and the following year brought the official   decommissioning of Route 66; nevertheless, many Americans   understood the significance of the highway and organized groups to   encourage travel and preservation, and more than 150 miles of the   original route in Texas can still be driven today; since 1990, the   Old Route 66 Association of Texas has promoted tourism and   supported the restoration of signage and landmarks in collaboration   with local communities, tourism boards, business owners, and   museums; the Texas Legislature designated the state's segment as a   historic corridor, and in 2020, Congress established the Route 66   Centennial Commission in anticipation of celebrations; and          WHEREAS, A fabled roadway that shaped communities and   captured the national imagination, Route 66 continues to be a vital   economic and cultural artery as it approaches a momentous milestone   in its history; now, therefore, be it          RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 89th Texas   Legislature hereby commemorate the centennial of Route 66 and   extend sincere best wishes to all those involved in preservation   efforts and celebrations; and, be it further          RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be   prepared for the Old Route 66 Association of Texas as an expression   of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives.     Smithee   King   Fairly     ______________________________   Speaker of the House                 I certify that H.R. No. 1478 was adopted by the House on June   2, 2025, by a non-record vote.     ______________________________   Chief Clerk of the House