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NATION : Historic Status for U.S. 66 Gains

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FROM TIMES WIRE SERVICES

U.S. 66, the east-west highway of desperation and “kicks” memorialized in song, literature and television, has moved closer toward recognition as part of the nation’s official heritage.

The House, on a voice vote late Monday night, passed a bill directing the National Park Service to study “America’s main street” for possible historic commemoration and preservation.

A similar measure has already cleared the Senate, which is expected to adopt the House language and send the legislation on to President Bush to be signed into law.

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U.S. 66, established in 1928, was the first completely paved highway across the Western United States--running from Chicago to Santa Monica--and played a key role in the nation’s transformation to the automobile age.

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