New Mexico Route 66 Association Wins Preservation Award On May 14, 2004, the New Mexico Route 66 Association was the recipient of a New Mexico Heritage Preservation Award presented by the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs - Historic Preservation Division. The awards, which have been presented annually since 1995, are given to individuals, organizations, and projects that contribute to the preservation, interpretation, appreciation, and/or understanding of New Mexico's Cultural Heritage. The award recognized the "Association's effort to establish a model program to preserve the historic neon signs on Route 66." The project had previously been recognized with Route 66 Magazine's "Preservation Project of the Year" and by a National Scenic Byways organization "Best Practices" citation. The Best Practices citation was one of 16 nationwide.