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Rehabilitation Of Historic Neon Signs Just The
Latest Example Of Centennial License Plate Funds Making A Difference
Commission For The Las Vegas Centennial
Oversees Distribution Of Funds
On Monday, July 30, $762,000 was approved
to restore neon signs of historic motels located on East Fremont Street as the
city works toward improving that area for new businesses. Funds for this
project would not be available if it were not for the continuing popularity of
the Nevada Centennial license plate.
The Centennial license plate is a special
commemorative plate available through the Nevada Department of Motor
Vehicles. The plate features the famous "Welcome to Fabulous
Las Vegas" sign designed by Betty Whitehead Willis in 1959, which still
stands in the median island south of Tropicana Avenue on Las Vegas Boulevard.
Utilizing the revenue generated from the
license plate, the Commission for the Las Vegas Centennial has established a
grant program to support community initiatives that are of a historic nature.
The commission hopes to generate community projects that promote and preserve
Las Vegas history. Since 2005, the commission has awarded more than $21 million
in grants to projects like the Helldorado Parade and Rodeo; the restored,
vintage neon signs that are in the medians on Las Vegas Boulevard downtown; the
Historic Westside School; and the Natural History Museum.
The $762,000 approved recently will
be used to restore vintage neon signs at seven sites near Fremont East, including the
Travelers Motel, Lucky Motel, Las Vegas Motel, Fremont/AriNeva, Starview Motel,
Gables Motel and Valley Motel. The total amount also includes funds for 10
years of maintenance.
The rehabilitation of the neon signs is
part of the new Project Enchilada, which aims to extend the redevelopment of
the Fremont Street district from Las Vegas Boulevard to 14th Street.
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