Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell believes that the state of Oklahoma should play to its strength, which is pushing tourism along Rt. 66.
Speaking at the Chandler Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Banquet on Feb. 13, Pinnell said that no other state has what Oklahoma does, which is the largest stretch of Rt. 66 with over 40 communities along the road that can benefit from tourism.
“We have so many amazing tourism attractions in the state of Oklahoma that are arguably the most unique and authentic tourism experience that you can have,” he said.
However, smaller communities along Rt. 66 need help from the bigger communities, like Oklahoma City and Tulsa. “Believe me, we’re very blessed we’ve got two communities that are generating the kind of revenue that they are today. But we’ve got 40-plus communities long Rt. 66 that need a lot of help.
Pinnell spoke about the Rt. 66 Commission, which plans to invest $6.6 million per year for the next four years into communities along Rt. 66 in preparation for the centennial celebration in 2026. Many towns have already submitted proposals, he said, with the commission about to award the first round.
“We absolutely should be investing in one of the core strengths in the state of Oklahoma and that is Rt. 66,” Pinnell said.
Building up tourism generates more sales tax, which can fund police and fire departments, making safer communities, he added. Not to mention, more tourists to Oklahoma are choosing to move here permanently. The state is number nine in the country for net migration growth over the last year, and between June 2022 and July 2023, there were more people moving to Oklahoma than almost any other state, according to Pinnell.
“We have more Texans moving to Oklahoma during that same year than Oklahomans moving to Texas,” he said. “That’s right. It deserves a round of applause.”
Pinnell ended his keynote speech saying that Oklahoma has something that no other state has and that Oklahomans need to harness it.
“If you play to those strengths, we’re going to grow this community and we’re going to grow the state of Oklahoma.”