Oklahoma is mobilizing around Route 66 as the legendary highway nears its centennial, according to remarks by Lieutenant Governor Matt Pinnell. The state is working to balance preservation of the road's historical legacy with strategic investment in its role as a driver of tourism and community economic activity.

Pinnell framed the approaching milestone as an opportunity for the state to strengthen communities along the route through renewed focus on travel, tourism infrastructure, and local investment initiatives tied to the highway's cultural significance.

The effort reflects a broader recognition among state officials that Route 66, which has defined cross-country travel and American culture for generations, represents both a historical asset and an economic platform for Oklahoma communities situated along its path.