Blueprint invests $777M in new parks, trails, water | The Locally Times
Since 2000, the intergovernmental agency has opened 1,462 acres of public land, built 10 new parks, and is dedicating $135 million to water-quality projects.
A joint body directed by the City and County Commissions, Blueprint is tasked with projects intended to improve quality of life, the natural environment, and economic vitality. Its board consists of the City and County Commissions sitting as one body, with administration managed by the County Administrator and the City Manager. ## New Parks and Public Lands While agency records do not quantify the specific investment in green space, a key focus has been creating public recreational areas. Since the program's inception, Blueprint has overseen the construction of 10 new parks and opened 1,462 acres of public park space and protected lands. In addition to parklands, the investments have funded 60 miles of bicycle and pedestrian facilities. According to agency reports, this includes 13 miles of dedicated trails and 19 miles of new sidewalks. The infrastructure plan also funded 14 miles of roadway improvements to enhance connectivity. ## Environmental and Financial Investments Environmental infrastructure is another priority, with Blueprint documents showing a current investment of $135 million in water-quality projects. These initiatives are designed to protect and enhance the region's natural resources. Beyond direct spending, the agency has multiplied its financial impact by leveraging an additional $405.7 million in outside funding, according to its website. This strategy allows for a greater scope of work than would be possible with local funds alone. ## Featured Projects and Public Reporting The agency’s website lists several featured projects currently underway. These include the NE Gateway (Welaunee Boulevard and Market District Placemaking); the Northeast Corridor Connector at Bannerman Road; the Orange/Meridian Placemaking project to improve public spaces and stormwater facilities; and the Airport Gateway, creating a corridor connecting Florida A&M University, FSU, Innovation Park, and the airport to the urban core. The Blueprint Intergovernmental Agency provides detailed spending and progress updates in its Quarterly Project Reports. The agency states these documents are available on its website, offering a granular look at the implementation of the community's long-term infrastructure plan.