$1.6M Awarded To Heritage Corridor Destinations For Route 66 Grant

WILL COUNTY, IL — Heritage Corridor Destinations, in coordination with several municipalities, was awarded a $1.6 million grant under the Route 66 Grant Program administered by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, according to a news release from the organization.

The grant program was open to Illinois’ Certified Conventions and Visitors Bureaus with money directed toward the development of tourism, education, preservation and promotion leading up to the 100th anniversary of Route 66 in 2026, with a focus on future transportation and tourism trends such as electric vehicles, a release states.

“We’re thrilled to be receiving this grant for marketing and product development along Route 66 for the second year. In addition to expanding statewide marketing efforts, this grant means more Route 66 attraction development in our communities as we prepare for the Centennial of Route 66,” Bob Navarro, President/CEO of Heritage Corridor Destinations, said in a release.

The 2023 grant will build upon the projects from the Heritage Corridor’s 2022 grant. These projects include an expansion of the Route 66 community monuments, with sculptures planned for Darien, Oak Brook Terrace, Bolingbrook, Wilmington, Elwood, Chicago southland oasis and Crest Hill.

The City of Joliet will also receive some funding for the Union Depot Tower Railroad Museum, which will offer a dedicated space for education and celebrating the unique role that Joliet played in the national passenger and freight movement, according to a news release. Also coming to Joliet will be a unique exhibit on the important role that the bridges have played in the history of the city.

New murals, about the past and future of Route 66, will be commissioned from local artists and installed in Lockport, Pontiac and Wilmington.

“As a lifelong resident of Will County, I know there is so much here to offer to tourists,” said State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel, who helped to secure funds. “Making strong investments into our communities will continue to keep Will County and Illinois on the map.”

New parking lots with electric vehicle stations will also be installed in Lockport, Bolingbrook and Joliet, which will allow visitors to linger while they charge electric vehicles.