U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood (R-IL) on Sept. 18 introduced bipartisan, bicameral legislation that would designate Route 66 as a National Historic Trail. Route 66 was established in 1926 and spans roughly 2,400 miles across eight states, beginning in Chicago and ending in Santa Monica, Calif.“From Main Street businesses to local tourism, Route 66 continues to be an engine of economic growth in Illinois’ 16th Congressional District and beyond,” Rep. LaHood said. “Designating Route 66 as a National Historic Trail will help rehabilitate and preserve this iconic highway, while supporting the economic well-being of communities along its route,” added the congressman. Rep. LaHood sponsored the Route 66 National Historic Trail Designation Act, H.R. The designation of Route 66 as a National Historic Trail will do just that.”The National Trust for Historic Preservation and the Road Ahead Partnership endorsed the measure.