Blueprint commits $135M to water-quality, stormwater improvements | The Locally Times
The Blueprint Intergovernmental Agency allocates $135 million for water quality and stormwater projects, adding to its extensive infrastructure investments since 2000.
This investment forms part of Blueprint's ongoing work to enhance local infrastructure. The agency's records indicate this funding addresses water quality, with one identified project also targeting stormwater facilities. The Blueprint Intergovernmental Agency Board of Directors, comprising the City and County Commissions, provides direction for these activities. The Intergovernmental Management Team, which includes the County Administrator and the City Manager, administers the agency's divisions. The agency also leveraged an additional $405.7 million in outside funding for its projects. These investments have supported the creation of 60 miles of bicycle and pedestrian facilities, 19 miles of sidewalks, 13 miles of trails, and 14 miles of roadway improvements. Blueprint's work has also resulted in the opening of 1,462 acres of public and park space and the construction of 10 new parks. The agency's stated mission involves implementing major infrastructure projects that benefit residents and visitors, and positively affect quality of life, the natural environment, and economic vitality. Beyond this specific example, the agency's records do not detail other individual projects, locations, or types of improvements that the $135 million will fund. The information available does not specify which neighborhoods or areas will experience the most direct impact from these improvements. The Blueprint Intergovernmental Agency's public information does not provide a timeline for the allocation or completion of these funds and projects. The source of the $135 million is also not specified in the records, leaving open whether it originates from existing Blueprint sales tax revenue, new bonds, or other funding mechanisms. Furthermore, the agency's records do not outline measurable goals for these water quality improvements or how their effectiveness will be monitored over time. ## Oversight and Public Information The Blueprint Intergovernmental Agency Board of Directors, formed by the City and County Commissions, provides oversight for all Blueprint activities. The agency's operations fall under the administration of the Intergovernmental Management Team, which includes the County Administrator and the City Manager. Public access to information regarding Blueprint's operations includes live coverage of Blueprint meetings on WCOT, the City of Tallahassee's government access channel. WCOT also records and replays these meetings, making full videos available on the City's YouTube channel within 24 hours. The agency's website also refers to Quarterly Project Reports, though specific details for accessing these reports regarding the $135 million water-quality investment are not immediately available. The current records do not indicate how this substantial investment will affect local taxes or utility rates for residents.