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Twin City area tourism to get boost from Route 66 state grant

Sprague's service station exterior
Staff
/
WGLT
The former Sprague service station is a landmark in Normal along historic Route 66.

The Bloomington-Normal Convention and Visitors Bureau will get a $263,000 grant to boost Route 66 as a tourist attraction.

The state money will pay for a level-three electric vehicle charging station along the Mother Road and monument-signage in five communities the iconic highway connects in McLean County.

“The millions of dollars the state is investing in local tourism promotion and enhancing the historic Route 66 will do wonders for Illinois’ tourism industry while boosting local economies and promoting the future of travel,” said Kristin Richards, director of the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.

The grant is part of 58 awards totaling $6.6 million through the Route 66 ($3.7 million) and Tourism Marketing Grant Programs ($2.9 million) to boost local tourism efforts and attract visitors to drive along historic Route 66.

The Logan County Tourism Bureau will receive more than $29,000 to install two Level 2 EV chargers and Route 66 insignia embedded on the road to support wayfinding.

“These grants will stimulate local economies across Illinois and highlight our growing EV sector, honoring the history of Route 66 and looking to the future,” said Gov. JB Pritzker.

This round of grants leads up to the centennial of the road in 2026.

WGLT Senior Reporter Charlie Schlenker has spent more than three award-winning decades in radio. He lives in Normal with his family.
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