WASHINGTON, Nov. 17 -- The House Natural Resources subcommittee on Federal Lands issued the following testimony by William M. Thomas, chairman of the Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership, at a legislative hearing on National Park, Fish and Wildlife Service bills:

"Route 66 holds national historic significance, and the economic impact and potential of Route 66 are great. For these reasons, Route 66 should be designated a National Historic Trail.

Historic Significance