Delta Vision Foundation Assigns Stern Grades to "Hopeful but Inadequate" Delta Progress Report shows only 25% of actions recommended in 2008 Strategic Plan are completed Published on Jun 16, 2011 - 9:20:17 AM
Sacramento June 16, 2011 – The Delta Vision Foundation (established by the former members of the Governor's Delta Vision Blue Ribbon Task Force)released the second annual Delta Vision Report Card today, grading state and federal agency progress and effectiveness in advancing the Two Co-Equal Goals of (1) Restoring the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Ecosystem and (2) Ensuring a reliable water supply for California. (See the Executive Summary and full Report Card at: http://deltavisionfoundation.org/)
While the state and federal government and non-governmental stakeholders received mostly above-average marks for effort, grades for progress and implementation of key goals set forth in theDelta Vision Strategic Plan were less favorable, particularly in the near-term actions that include preparations for rescue and response to a seismic event in the Delta. The Delta Vision Strategic Plan, released in October 2008, was a two-year project designed to ensure long-term sustainable management of the Delta.
"Throughout the Delta Vision Strategic Plan process, and now with this evaluation of progress, it is clear that Delta restoration and water supply reliability cannot be achieved by any single action," said Delta Vision Foundation President Sunne Wright McPeak. "The recommendations in the Strategic Plan are designed to be implemented together as an integrated solution to achieve success. There is still much to be accomplished, but the Delta Vision Report Card shows that some hopeful progress is being made. Certainly, there are many dedicated public officials sincerely trying hard to move forward, but more intensity of effort and greater coordination is needed, which is the focus of the major recommendations for accelerating progress."
The Delta Vision Foundation Board of Directors held a public meeting in downtown Sacramento, and heard testimonyfrom various water leaders and public stakeholders. The 2011 Delta Vision Report Card grades were based on more than forty interviews with state and federal officials and a comprehensive survey completed by key stakeholders and the public to solicit input on progress and effectiveness; the subsequent feedback from this in-depth process was then incorporated into the final evaluation.
Mike Chrisman, Board member and former Secretary of California's Natural Resources Agency, said, "The Report Card highlights significant issues, opportunities, and recommendations, not only to provide a framework for reporting but also to increase transparency and understanding for the public. It is intended to serve as a positive dynamic to improve performance and ensure success."
Dr. Raymond Seed, Board member with engineering expertise in levees and seismic safety, emphasized that the following "Big 5 Recommendations" reflect the thinking of the Delta Vision Foundation, and are intended to present the highest priorities for attention by the State Administration and Legislature:
1.Intensify Focus and Immediately Implement Near-Term Actions
2.Improve Coordination among Agencies and Appointed Bodies
3.Link Strategies and Actions for a Workable Solution
4.Optimize Value of Independent Science
5.Establish and Refine Funding and Financing Plan
Members of the Delta Vision Foundation Board of Directors are: Sunne Wright McPeak, President; Mike Chrisman; A.G. Kawamura; Linda Adams; Richard Frank; Thomas McKernan; William Reilly; and Raymond Seed, Ph.D.
