Rep. Hernandez Delivers for Route 66

CICERO, Ill. — To honor the history of Route 66 and improve access for electric vehicles, state Rep. Elizabeth “Lisa” Hernandez, D-Cicero, is celebrating the awarding of a $330,000 grant to install new electric vehicle charging stations along Ogden Avenue, part of the historic Route 66.

“As one of the most storied and iconic roads in America, there is no understating the economic and cultural impact Route 66 has on Illinois,” said Hernandez. “Berwyn is so fortunate to receive funding to revitalize local Route 66 landmarks and add electric vehicle charging stations to the Route. These new projects will continue to boost tourism and economic activity along Route 66 and in our community.”

U.S. Highway 66, popularly known as Route 66, spans nearly the entire length of Illinois, starting in downtown Chicago and ending in the Metro East before continuing westward to California. Known as the “Mother Road,” Route 66 helped make the Western U.S. accessible for people with cars and led to increased tourism and economic growth for the towns along the highway.

The grant money, awarded by the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), will also be used to renovate the Route 66 wayside exhibit and install a new “Muffler Man” fiberglass figure at the famous Cigars and Stripes BBQ Lounge.

“This grant will help Berwyn honor its historic roots and connect to the 21st century at the same time,” Hernandez said. “I’m grateful to Gov. Pritzker and the DCEO for awarding the grant money and helping us increase tourism, economic growth and electric vehicle travel.”

For more information on funding opportunities for businesses and communities, visit https://www2.illinois.gov/dceo/Pages/default.aspx.