The New Mexico Tourism Department (NMTD) has announced the second round of funding for its Route 66 Centennial Grant Program. This initiative, supported by a special appropriation from the 2025 Legislative Session, will allocate $1,306,097 to communities along Route 66 in fiscal year 2026. The funds are designated for marketing and promotion, infrastructure improvements, and special events.
Acting Secretary Lancing Adams said, "Promoting the Route 66 centennial and preparing the state for this milestone was a strategic focus for the Tourism Department this past fiscal year and will continue to be so this year as well." He emphasized that interest in the centennial is growing among both domestic and international travelers.
In FY26, NMTD awarded $752,538 for marketing and promotion, $423,559 for infrastructure projects, and $130,000 for special events. This allocation follows a previous year's distribution where more emphasis was placed on infrastructure to prepare communities for increased travel during the centennial.
Eligible recipients of these grants include nonprofit tourism-related organizations, municipalities, county and tribal governments, and special districts. All funded projects must be planned or completed by June 15, 2026.
Communities have already begun utilizing these funds. Gallup used its FY25 grant to enhance wayfinding and create public art such as a Route 66-themed mural by Eric Sarracino. Albuquerque's Historic Old Town Association is installing a neon entrance archway with its grant.
A list of recipients includes various entities across New Mexico receiving funds for both special events and infrastructure improvements. More details about the program can be found on the Tourism Department's website.
Information from this article can be found here.
