Citizens of Louden County, Virginia have a lot to talk about since the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) decided to make improvements to the historic Snickersville Turnpike, one of two roads fought over during the Civil War. In the spring of 1994, the citizens of Louden County formed The Snickersville Turnpike Association (STA) - whose mission is to preserve the history and scenery of the historic road - in response to VDOT's attempt to further implement changes to the Snickersville Turnpike. "What we envision for our turnpike is to have it resurfaced so that there is a uniform width, where it will fit without disturbing existing stone walls and trees, and the area where VDOT has destroyed the character of the Turnpike be restored in keeping with the quality of the rest of the road," explains Jane Smith, Board of Director, Snickersville Turnpike Association. STA will receive federal funds from the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA), which awards federal funds to civic groups for enhancement projects related to preservation, transportation, and other public improvements. In 1995, STA was granted funds for two enhancement projects along the Turnpike. The area surrounding the First Massachusetts Cavalry monument will be improved, along with the historic one-lane bridge that VDOT replaced with a new road. Currently STA needs to come up with matching funds for ISTEA by the end of 1997 to receive the full grant. VDOT was unable to be reached for comment at this time. LASN plans to keep you informed as progress is made concerning the Snickersville Turnpike. THE HISTORIC FIRST MASSACHUSETTS CALVARY MONUMENT PICTURED HERE IS ONE OF THE AREAS WHERE ISTEA FUNDS WILL BE USED TO ENHANCE AND BEAUTIFY A SECTION OF THE SNICKERSVILLE TURNPIKE. NOTICE THE REGROWTH OF SHRUBBERY SURROUNDING THE MONUMENT. A LOW, NATIVE BUSH SUCH AS RED BUD WILL BE PLANTED IN PLACE OF THE REGROWTH TO ENHANCE THE MONUMENT AND SURROUNDING AREA. Photo provided courtesy of Snickersville Turnpike Association.