Blueprint was founded with the EECC vision that this segment of Capital Circle from Blountstown Highway to Crawfordville Road would better account for the environmental features of the area.  Blueprint 2000 is currently in the process of assessing the alternatives for this segment of Capital Circle, and environmental impact is one of the key criteria on which the alternatives are being evaluated.

One of the most significant features in this area is the Bradford Brook Chain of Lakes, including Lake Bradford, located west and north of Capital Circle Southwest.  Water flows between Lake Bradford, Lake Hiawatha, Cascade Lake and Grassy Lake to create the Chain of Lakes.  The lakes currently receive runoff from Capital Circle and stormwater inputs from the West Drainage Ditch.  These tannic colored waters surrounded by magnificent cypress trees are an environmental treasure in Leon County and protecting this chain is one of Blueprint’s main priorities in the development of this corridor.  Another significant feature in the area is the Apalachicola National Forest, the largest national forest in Florida.  Depending on the level of impact to these areas, Capital Circle Southwest may be realigned from its current location between the Chain of Lakes and the Tallahassee Regional Airport to one of the proposed options north of the Chain of Lakes.  A Community Participation Plan (CPP) has been prepared for Capital Circle Southwest. The CPP provides for extensive "hands-on" community participation in the development and evaluation of alternative solutions.  A Capital Circle Southwest Community Representatives group has been organized to review the information generated by the PD&E study, give advice and share various neighborhood, stakeholder and community perspectives.  This will help ensure that all aspects along the corridor are considered to achieve the best alignment for Capital Circle Southwest.

In accord with all Blueprint projects, greenways, landscaping, alternative modes and stormwater enhancements will all be incorporated into the project. 

In September 2009, the Intergovernmental Agency voted to pursue widening of the existing Capital Circle Southwest alignment versus a new alignment. The Board's action also included a recommendation to improve the West Ditch and restore Black Swamp, fulfilling the Agency's commitment to protect Lake Bradford and the Chain of Lakes.