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Warr Acres council declines $30,000 Route 66 monument funding
Summary
After a presentation of a 16‑foot prototype monument by a Route 66 project team, the Warr Acres City Council voted down a motion to authorize $30,000 for a Route 66 centennial monument and split costs with neighboring cities. The presenter said ODOT had reviewed the design; council members cited budget and timing concerns.
Brian Brown, a presenter with Box Audio Visual, showed a prototype for a Route 66 Centennial monument and told Warr Acres council members the finished piece would be about 16 feet tall at its highest point and double‑sided so both directions of traffic would see city placemaking. He said he had met with ODOT engineers and that the fabrication firm would warranty automotive paint fade for eight years and use serviceable internal LED lighting.
City planner Dakota reminded the council the city had received a $25,000 Route 66 Centennial grant tied to a separate wind‑turbine blade project; Brown and staff discussed a 50/50 cost‑split with neighboring Oklahoma City and Bethany for a $30,000 installation and possible siting in the center median where underground power exists.
Council members asked about timing, durability, warranty and whether the city would be liable for costs beyond the grant. Several members said they favored the concept but were uneasy committing funds now rather than using economic development funds or waiting for the 2026 centennial. One councilmember moved to authorize a single sign and to proceed without waiting for other cities; the motion was put to roll call and failed. No appropriation for the monument was approved.
The decision leaves open further negotiations with the project team and neighboring jurisdictions; Brown said the team would continue outreach to communities that have expressed interest in the monument program.
