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ASCE asks Kingman commission to host Route 66 landmark plaque; staff to coordinate
Summary
Seth Chalmers of the Arizona ASCE History & Heritage Committee asked Kingman commissioners to support hosting an ASCE National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark plaque for Route 66, saying the plaque is voluntary, likely funded by ASCE fundraising and costing about $2,200 for the plaque itself; staff said they will coordinate location and next steps.
Seth Chalmers, chair of the Arizona Section History and Heritage Committee of the American Society of Civil Engineers, asked the commission to consider hosting a commemorative plaque recognizing Route 66’s designation as an ASCE National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark and to provide a letter of commitment to support fundraising and siting.
Chalmers told the commission the program is voluntary and does not require the city to pay for the plaque. "The plaque alone is, like, $2,200, and that doesn't include installation," he said, adding that ASCE would undertake fundraising and might seek national support to offset costs. He said his committee prefers to place plaques during the Route 66 centennial but acknowledged a realistic timeline could be about a year for fundraising and logistics.
Commission members asked about preferred locations and timing. A participant who identified themself as the museum director invited Chalmers to work with the Arizona Route 66 Museum; Chalmers said ASCE would coordinate and may make a donation to the museum. A city staff member confirmed the commission had received Chalmers' letter and said staff could "coordinate to identify location" and, if the commission wishes, bring the matter back for the commission’s input or approval.
Chalmers cited prior coordination with ADOT and other Route 66 communities and said Ash Fork has already committed to host a plaque; he also said the committee will consider secure, high-traffic locations to reduce the risk of vandalism or theft. He described the ASCE program as an educational and heritage initiative that aims to increase public appreciation of civil engineering and local Route 66 history.
Next steps recorded in the meeting: staff will coordinate with the museum and ASCE on site identification, and the commission can place the matter on a future agenda for formal consideration, including possible letters of commitment and further logistical or funding details.
The presentation and follow-up discussion were information-only; no formal action was taken on the plaque request during this meeting.
