FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 24, 2015
GOVERNOR
AND CABINET APPROVE CROSS FLORIDA GREENWAY ACQUISITION
~Board of
Trustees agree to acquire 193.9 acres to expand Greenway~
TALLAHASSEE – Today, Governor Rick Scott and
the Florida Cabinet agreed to purchase the Cross Florida Greenway to expand
recreational opportunities for Florida families across the state. With hiking,
biking, equestrian and paddling trails, boat ramps, fishing spots, campgrounds,
playground and picnic shelters, the Greenway offers Floridians of all interests
and ages a great place to enjoy Florida’s natural treasures. In fiscal year
2013-14, 927,008 people visited the Greenway, generating an estimated
$74,341,241 in direct economic impact.
“This acquisition provides a critical connector for
the Cross Florida Greenway, furthering recreational opportunities through
additional trailhead access and camping areas,” said DEP Secretary Jon
Steverson.
The Cross Florida Greenway is a key component of the
Florida Greenways and Trails System Plan Priority Trails Network, and is home
to approximately 36 miles of the Florida National Scenic Trail. The greenway stretches 110 miles across central Florida from the Gulf of Mexico on
the west coast to the St. Johns River near the east coast. The corridor
encompasses diverse natural habitats and traverses four counties (Citrus, Levy,
Marion and Putnam).
Governor Scott and the Cabinet members agreed to
purchase approximately 193.90 acres in Marion County for $594,000 using Florida
Forever Greenway and Trails program funds. The property will be managed as an
addition to the Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway.
Of the 171 units of the Florida State Parks System,
the greenway is ranked the third-highest unit in attendance and direct economic
impact; only Honeymoon Island and the Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail rank
higher.
This land is formerly known as the Cross Florida Barge Canal.
A series of historic events transformed this corridor from one of the nation’s
largest uncompleted public works projects to a world-class greenway.
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