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Idea to send: |
| Topic | Redevelopment and economic opportunity |
| Content | One Great Idea
Goal: To increase local retail commerce as well as to increase tourism opportunities in Oklahoma.
Objectives:
1. Create a partnership between Oklahoma Government agencies, local communities, and the Federal Government to obtain funding for redevelopment of strategically located properties along old Route 66 in Oklahoma.
2. Enhance opportunities to create: destination: tourism along the Route 66 corridor in Oklahoma.
3. Improve Oklahoma’s environment by cleaning up old, abandoned, contaminated sites.
Rationale: Historic Route 66 is a natural tourist attraction for the State of Oklahoma. Many communities have taken advantage of this and several Route 66 tourist attractions exist. This project would provide the impetus to create a trail through many large and small communities in Oklahoma that would attract a variety of tourist groups including bicycle tour groups, antique car buffs, runners and hikers.
A similar approach has been executed by the state of Arizona with measurable results in redevelopment projects in smaller communities. FUNDING IS AVAILABLE AT THE FEDERAL LEVEL THROUGH THE PETROLEUM BROWNFIELDS OFFICE AT EPA. EPA OFFICIALS HAVE INDICATED AN INTEREST IN THIS PROJECT.
Targeting former garage and filling station sites as well as motor courts along the historic Route 66 corridor could help smaller communities create small retail or pocket park locations that could be linked by Tourism Maps to attract travelers to the state as well as provide local recreation spots for Oklahoma Citizens. Many of these sites have long been abandoned or boarded up. A Photographic catalogue of sites could be created to assist in grant applications through Brownfields both in-state and from Federal sources.
Several Route 66 organizations already exist and should be enlisted to form the necessary partnerships. The State Historical Society could provide documentation and potential resources for Historic Preservation tax credits. Economic Development Authorities or Trusts could also agree to partner in these efforts. Several projects have been done independently in Oklahoma, providing examples that other communities can use to motivate private investment in these projects. Local boutique, retail, restaurant and recreation projects could be encouraged.
Implementing Agencies: Oklahoma Corporation Commission, Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality, Oklahoma Department of Tourism and Recreation, Oklahoma Department of Commerce, Local Councils of Governments and Economic Development Authorities.
Costs: Much of the actual redevelopment money would come from private dollars. The project would need a project manager and some infrastructure to manage potential grants and cooperative agreements. The potential leverage of government funds could be determined in more detail once the universe of potential sites is identified.
Benefits: Local redevelopment of current eyesores and restoration of potentially impacted sites is the first benefit. Additionally, community pride as well as opportunities for bike rallies, runs and other outdoor activities will help improve community health. Retail associated with the redevelopment would contribute to local sales tax revenues. From Miami to Sayre there are potential sites on local traffic routes that could benefit from this program at small cost to taxpayers. This project could be titled “Route 66 Revitalization Project” or something else that would draw attention to the scope of the |
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