PHOENIX - The Arizona State Parks and Trails Arizona State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) recently was awarded $585,000 in grant funding from the National Park Service (NPS) to help drive economic development in rural areas through rehabilitation and adaptive reuse of historic properties.

SHPO will use the NPS grant award to fund its Arizona Route 66 Revitalization Subgrant Program, which provides funding for eligible commercial and civic properties along rural stretches of Arizona’s iconic Route 66 corridor.

“In a time when federal grant dollars are so hard to come by, we are absolutely thrilled that the National Park Service has chosen to support our statewide efforts to bolster preservation efforts along this historically significant region of Arizona,” said State Historic Preservation Officer Kathryn Leonard. 

Specifically, the SHPO program will provide grants of up to $100,000 to rehab historic properties along the 385-mile stretch of Route 66 that runs throughout the entire state of Arizona. Eligible properties include motels, gas stations, trading posts, civic buildings, and other sites that once served as vital hubs for travelers of the Mother Road.

The SHPO subgrant program also includes extensive outreach, technical and planning support through its partner organizations, the Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona, Local First Arizona and the Arizona Preservation Foundation.

“Arizona’s towns continue to attract visitors from around the world, making the preservation of these historic resources vital to maintaining both cultural identity and local economies” said Nikki Terlesky, executive director of the Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona.

The funding is available through the NPS Paul Bruhn Historic Revitalization Grant Program, which since 2019 has provided competitive funding to government agencies and non-profits.

Partners say the program, which links preservation and economic growth, delivers much-needed investment in rural communities.

“Arizona’s Route 66 corridor spans more than 15 rural towns with populations under 50,000. This funding will support businesses located in historic buildings to ensure that economic development occurs in a way that maintains the essential character of the community” said Jenna Rowell, director of Rural Development for Local First Arizona. 

With 2026 marking both the centennial celebration of Route 66 and Arizona’s recognition of America’s 250th birthday, this funding comes at a pivotal moment for the state.

“Historic rehabilitation has already transformed Arizona's Route 66 communities through strategic investments from the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the Arizona Heritage Fund, said Arizona Preservation Foundation President Jim McPherson. “The La Posada Hotel stands as proof: once abandoned, this Winslow landmark now anchors economic revitalization, drawing thousands of visitors annually and supporting dozens of local jobs. The recently restored Osterman Gas Station in Peach Springs promises similar renewal for a community that needs it most. These successes demonstrate that preservation funding doesn't just save buildings – it rebuilds economies, restores civic pride, and creates sustainable futures for small towns along the Mother Road."

Information on eligibility and how to apply for the Arizona Route 66 Revitalization Subgrant Program will be available at AZStateParks.com/SHPO in early December.

About the Arizona State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO)

The Arizona State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO,) a division of Arizona State Parks and Trails dedicated to safeguarding Arizona’s historic and cultural heritage. The office works closely with local communities, property owners, and government agencies to ensure the long-term preservation of significant places while promoting their role in economic development and cultural tourism. 

Connecting people to the outdoors and history of Arizona to build a lifetime of memories.

For information about the more than 30 Arizona state parks and natural areas, trails, Off-Highway Vehicle program, and State Historic Preservation Office, call 1-877-MY-PARKS or visit AZStateParks.com. 

PRESS CONTACT: Michelle Thompson at (480) 589-8877 - Email: pio@azstateparks.gov