Oklahoma Historical Society

PROJECT PURPOSE

ARPA-OHC-2101 - Exhibits - Oklahoma History Center - Create Route 66 Centennial Park, Exhibit, and Traveling Photo exhibit - The Route 66 Centennial is approaching in 2026.  This project utilizes stimulus funds to both address impacts from lost revenue from tourism decreases and to elevate the stories and awareness of the significance of Route 66 in Oklahoma.  Significant tourism and related economic impacts may be anticipated if this public, private partnership exhibit element is in place and fully functional before the Centennial year celebration.  State tourism and CVBs are expected to heavily market and promote this exhibit with impacts projected at more than 100,000 people per year as well as extensive education program impacts.  Private donations and long term neon sign loans are anticipated to be valued at more than $1,000,000.

EVIDENCE

Our projects utilize local or regional contractors to perform the work and draw local, state and national visitation to the area thus boosting the local economy from construction activities and tourism for the area and state.

POPULATION DESCRIPTION

The communities and local businesses around this site were impacted by the state shutdown and the decline of tourism as a result of the COVID pandemic. The local communities, municipalities and businesses lost revenue from sales, lodging, taxes and other tourism related benefits. This project benefits everyone by employing local businesses to create or improve local attractions and facilities to improve local tourism and community programing. Oklahoma City has a broad diversified economic base including aviation, aerospace, bioscience, health care, energy, manufacturing and warehousing as well as entertainment, tourism, and education. The City's population is 655,057, the largest in Oklahoma. A language other than English is spoken in 20% of the homes. The median income is $55,557, and 16% of the population lives in poverty. The unemployment rate is 2.6%. 86% of the adult population holds a high school diploma, and 31% have attained a bachelor degree or higher.

PERFORMANCE MEASURING

Project performance will be measured by visitation statistics with our current monthly statistical tracking system and staying in budget. A 20% increase in visitor interaction, programs, and site visitation.  Bus tour engagements are expected to increase as are increased merchandise sales and admission fees.

ONGOING INVESTMENT AMOUNT

$

ONGOING INVESTMENT DESCRIPTION

None

ONGOING INVESTMENT REQUIRED

Able to continue operation without additional funding from the State of Oklahoma