Joint Special Council/BFPD
12/16/25 05:30 PM
City Manager Department
Rochelle Clayton
Other
Doc ID: 6238
AGENDA ITEM
AGENDA MATTER:
CONSIDERATION OF ISSUING A LETTER OF SUPPORT FOR THE “ROUTE 66 MUSICAL ROAD PROJECT” HONORING THE U.S. MARINE CORPS 250TH ANNIVERSARY AND THE ROUTE 66
CENTENNIAL
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
BACKGROUND
The Route 66 Musical Road Project is a federally certified Route 66 Centennial initiative that blends transportation infrastructure with cultural storytelling. When completed, the project will become one of the first musical road installations in California and part of a larger national network planned across all eight Route 66 states.
Key partners for this project include:
· California Historic Route 66 Association - Preserving and promoting Route 66 statewide · Route 66 Musical Roads LLC - Developer of musical roadway experiences · U.S. Marine Corps Mounted Color Guard Association - High Desert-based organization honoring Marine Corps traditions
· Sully-Miller Contracting Co. - California infrastructure contractor celebrating 100 years in operation
The installation near Barstow is designed to honor the U.S. Marine Corps while also advancing heritage tourism along Route 66, which has long been a central element of the City’s identity and economic development strategy.
Route 66 Musical Roads LLC, in partnership with several regional and national organizations, is proposing the installation of a Route 66 Musical Road near Barstow, California. The installation would use precisely spaced rumble strips that play the Marine Corps Hymn when driven over, commemorating two significant national milestones: the 250th Anniversary of the U.S. Marine Corps (1775-2025) and the Route 66 Centennial (1926-2026).
The project is located near the Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow and is intended as a permanent cultural landmark that celebrates military service, American heritage, and the High Desert’s historic connection to Route 66. The project partners are requesting a formal Letter of Support from the City of Barstow to demonstrate community and municipal backing.
DISCUSSION:
The Route 66 Musical Road Project aligns directly with several long-standing City objectives, including:
Joint Special Council/BFPD
12/16/25 05:30 PM
City Manager Department
Rochelle Clayton
Other
Doc ID: 6238
AGENDA ITEM
Promotion of Heritage Tourism: The project adds a one-of-a-kind destination tied directly to Route 66 and the City’s existing tourism initiatives.
Recognition of Military Service: With Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow as a major community partner and economic driver, the Marine Corps tribute holds unique local relevance.
Community Pride & National Visibility: As part of a nationwide Route 66 musical network, Barstow would gain recognition as an early participant in a high-profile, patriotic infrastructure project.
The requested Letter of Support does not obligate the City to provide funding, construction, or maintenance. It serves strictly as a formal expression of support that may assist the project partners with outreach, grants, sponsorships, and regulatory coordination.
Attached for Council review and consideration are:
1. Project Overview: Route 66 Musical Road - U.S. Marine Corps 250th Anniversary & Route 66 Centennial
2. Draft Letter of Support
FISCAL IMPACT:
Approval of the Letter of Support carries no direct fiscal impact to the City’s General Fund or any other City funds.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Approve the issuance of a Letter of Support for the Route 66 Musical Road Project honoring the 250th Anniversary of the United States Marine Corps and the 100th Anniversary of Route 66.