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Commission considers small Preserve Route 66 grant for signs, murals and business assistance on Mount Vernon corridor
Summary
Staff told the commission the city applied for (or is applying for) a Preserve Route 66 grant that would be restricted to identified Route 66 locations in the city and carries a maximum award of $10,000.
City staff briefed the commission on a Preserve Route 66 grant opportunity that requires the city to identify historic Route 66 locations within San Bernardino and use funds on preservation-oriented activities in the original Route 66 corridor. Staff said the grant’s maximum award is $10,000 and that the grant notice for successful applicants is expected in December with project execution in 2026.
"The highest amount is 10,000. It is a low amount, but it's still an amount that we could utilize," a staff member told the commission. The staff member said eligible uses could include historical workshops, media packets and small murals at identified sites. Staff also said there is an element to help businesses along the corridor apply for improvement grants but that funds are focused on Route 66-identified properties.
Commissioners discussed potential location candidates including La Plaza Park and sites in the Mount Vernon area, and raised timing issues because La Plaza Park will be undergoing a rehabilitation and signage or monuments may need to wait until the park work is complete. Commissioners also discussed different sign formats — metal plaques versus vinyl banners — and noted metal signs have a longer lifespan and are less susceptible to weather and vandalism. One commissioner recommended coordinating with Public Works and the Chamber of Commerce on sign placement and hardware.
Why it matters: even small grants can fund interpretive elements and outreach that bolster local heritage and tourism; commissioners flagged the need to balance limited grant funds against the relatively high cost of durable signage and public monuments.
What’s next: staff said the grant application is due in September and that commissioners could review candidate sites if the commission decides to be formally involved; staff will follow up with Public Works and economic development to identify feasible sites and potential business outreach.
Provenance: discussion began at 00:06:06 when staff described the Preserve Route 66 grant and continued through the conversation on signage and timing, finishing around 00:12:00.
