January 1, 2011
Enid News
From The Associated Press
CATOOSA — It’s a state icon quickly making a national resurgence. But Catoosa officials don’t want to stop there.
By February, officials hope to know whether a $600,000 grant will help them purchase the Route 66 Blue Whale and ultimately expand its parking lot, install decorative signage and build a trail from a nearby grocery store.
The city submitted its final application Thursday after state transportation officials put Catoosa on the short list for the Transportation Enhancement Grant, which is awarded each year to municipalities for walking trail projects.
“Trails are just the thing right now that everyone is looking to for health, obesity, entertainment,” Mayor Rita Lamkin said. “The state and the feds recognize that, and that’s why they’re giving out these grants.”
Lamkin said national interest in the Blue Whale has been on the rise since Time magazine featured it in its Top 50 American Roadside Attractions in July. With that, local excitement is skyrocketing... FULL ARTICLE
Posted on
Sat, January 1, 2011
by John Cox