Senator Timmy French and Delegate Todd Gilbert submitted budget amendments for a new 2-lane bridge at the south entrance to Seven Bends State Park.
If you’ve visited the park, you know the need for this safety improvement—the current access is via a narrow gravel road and a single-lane low water bridge that is subject to flooding.
And, if you’ve visited the park, you know what a gem it is—right outside the town of Woodstock in Shenandoah County, adjacent to the George Washington National Forest and tucked into one of the bends on the North Fork of the Shenandoah, so there’s hiking, bicycling and floating available with delicious local eateries and lodging right down the way.
Visitors to Virginia have discovered the park as well—it has exceeded its expected visitation numbers over fourfold, contributing more than $9 million to the economy. Now is the time to make sure those folks and others can continue to enjoy Seven Bends safely and efficiently!
We applaud Delegate Gilbert and Senator French for recognizing the need for safer access and taking action to get the ball rolling as soon as possible. The next step is for state lawmakers who serve on the money committees to sign off on the budget amendment.
Can you take a moment to look at these lists (Senate Finance & Appropriations | House Appropriations) and call or send a quick note to a few members to express support for the project, referencing Senate Item 438 #27S and House Item 438 #6h. And if you have any Virginia family or friends who have visited and loved the park, please forward this message and ask them to also send a note.
The folks making this decision need to know Seven Bends is an incredible resource for us here in the Valley and for residents across Virginia.
Thanks in advance for taking a few minutes to help secure funding for safe access to Seven Bends!
Photos courtesy of Seven Bends State Park.