Burns Flat, OK – Retail business owners along historic Route 66 have a new opportunity to improve their buildings through a facade and sign revitalization incentive program offered by the South Western Oklahoma Development Authority. The program is designed to encourage exterior improvements that support historic preservation, reinvestment, and economic development in communities along the Route 66 corridor in Beckham, Custer, and Washita counties.

The incentive program provides reimbursement rebates covering up to 50 percent of eligible project costs, with a maximum rebate of $25,000 per applicant. Projects may include exterior cleaning or painting, signage and lighting improvements, awnings, customer-facing windows and doors, and ADA-compliant sidewalk or parking area work. Funding is limited, and rebates will be awarded on a reimbursement-only basis after project completion and inspection.

Applications will be accepted from February 2 through February 20, 2026, with a deadline of 5:00 p.m. CST. Only building owners are eligible to apply, and work may not begin until written approval is received from SWODA. All approved projects must be completed by December 31, 2026.

Applications are available at swoda.org. Questions about the program can be directed to SWODA at 580-562-5031.

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