Mayor Baca announced at the press conference, "It is Economic Development for all of us. The Route 66 partnership will provide a basis to apply for federal and state funding for regional marketing efforts."

Edson Way of the state's Office of Cultural Affairs spoke briefly about a partnership between his office, the New Mexico Economic Development Department, and the state of New Mexico's Department of Tourism. Together they plan to develop a collaborative strategy for funding, and resource development for statewide celebrations, of the 75th anniversary of Route 66 in 2001. He addressed the mayors and indicated the state of New Mexico would be a major player.

Mary Kay Cline, interim President of the Albuquerque Convention and Visitors Bureau, unveiled plans for the city's hosting of the official national celebration of the 75th anniversary. Over two years of planning and resource development have taken place in partnership with the New Mexico Route 66 Association. The three-day event, to be held on July 20-22, 2001, will be spectacular.

After many years of advocacy, the Association celebrates President Clinton signing enabling legislation to fund preservation of Historic Route 66. New Mexico Senator Pete Domenici has long nurtured funding through Congres s to study and preserve our national highway. Joined by New Mexico's Representative Heather Wilson, who sponsored the bill in the House, the efforts included the entire New Mexico U.S. Congressional delegation as well as key legislators from some of the other Route 66 states.

The bill provides for funds through the Interior Department's U.S. Park Services. The Park Services will be working with representatives from all eight Historic Route 66 states to identify an application process fair to all of the communities along the roadway. The bill would provide one million dollars per year over ten years. The first one million has not yet been appropriated.

Leading the charge and keeping all of the legislation's supporters informed of its progress has been David Knudson, Executive Director of the National Historic Route 66 Federation. The Federation has played a major role in advocacy for preservation of the road. The Federation’s address is P.O. Box 423, Tujunga, CA 91043-0423.

The Association thanks the U.S. Congress, President Clinton and all of you who wrote the hundreds of letters received by our congressional representatives, which will make this source of funding possible and preserve the Mother Road's remaining portions.

Grants MainStreet, the Cibola Communities Economic Development Foundation, the Grants/ Cibola County Chamber of Commerce, the City of Grants, the New Mexico Economic Development Department, the Federal Highway Administration's National Scenic Byway Program and the New Mexico Highway and Transportation Department are pleased to announce the dedication of "Grants Hub of History," a Route 66 art sculpture depicting the history of Grants, Cibola County and their relationship to Historic Route 66.

The sculpture is a fabulous 21 by 32 feet shallow relief, burnished steel piece, and was created by well-known area artist Jan Pearson. It was constructed from 1/4 inch steel plate and fabricated like a puzzle with shallow relief incorporated into the various pieces. The application by Mr. Pearson is a new technique in steel plate artwork that achieves a unique series of effects, adding dimension to the reliefs.

Mr. Pearson was born in San Diego, California, but moved to Grants in the 1990s. Jan's interest in art began as a child, leading him through several art related careers including the development of studio props.

The dedication will take place with the Annual Fall Chili Fiesta and Native American Heritage Days. The festival runs October 1-3, 1999, and the highlights of the event include chili and salsa cook-off competitions, farmers markets and Native American Dance exhibits.

For further information contact the Grants/Cibola Chamber of Commerce at (505) 287-4802 or 1-800-782-2142.