Former US Highway 99 was designated as an Historic Route on September 3, 1993 by Assembly Concurrent Resolution No. 19. This resolution was drafted by Doug Pruitt of Cottonwood, CA and sponsored by Assemblyman Stan Statham (1st Assembly District).
Historic U.S. Highway 99
WHEREAS, For many years, U.S. Highway 99 was the main west
coast north-south thoroughfare, extending from Canada to Mexico;
and
WHEREAS, Beginning in the mid 1960s, with the construction of
Interstate Route 10, then Interstate Route 5, the functions of
U.S. Highway 99 were gradually taken over by Routes 5 and 10,
and U.S. Highway 99 was decertified from the federal highway
system, becoming instead a state highway except for those
segments that were upgraded to become part of Routes 5 and 10;
and
WHEREAS, In 1992, the final segment of former U.S. Highway 99
scheduled for inclusion in Route 5 had its reconstruction
completed so that the entire statewide length of Route 5 will
meet interstate highway standards;
and
WHEREAS, Though supplanted as the state’s primary north-south
highway, segments of the original U.S. Highway 99 remain,
although many are no longer identified as such;
and
WHEREAS, Old U.S. Highway 99 served as the main street of
many California cities and towns along its length and, though no
longer so designated, these sections represent both state and
local historic significance;
and
WHEREAS, It is fitting that a means to designate these
historic sections of former U.S. Highway 99 be established; now,
therefore, be it
Resolved by the Assembly of the State of California, the
Senate thereof concurring, That the remaining sections of former
U.S. Highway 99 are hereby recognized for their historical
significance and importance in the development of California;
and be it further
Resolved, That the Department of Transportation is requested,
upon application by local agencies or private groups, to
identify any section of former U.S. Highway 99 which is still a
publicly maintained highway but is not designated as having
formerly been U.S. Highway 99 that is of interest to an
applicant agency or group, and to designate that section of
highway as “historic U.S. Highway 99”; and be it further
Resolved, That the department is requested to determine the
cost of appropriate highway markers or signs consistent with
signing requirements for the state highway system showing the
special designation and, upon receiving donations from nonstate
sources concerning that cost, to erect those highway markers or
signs on the portions of former U.S. Highway 99 that are part of
the state highway system ; and be it further
Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly transmit a
copy of this resolution to the Director of Transportation.