Council Releases Third Draft Delta Plan, Will Meet April 28-29

The Delta Stewardship Council released the third staff draft of the Delta Plan on April 22.

The draft includes policy conclusions in key areas such as water conveyance and storage, regional self-reliance, public trust Delta water flow standards, and ecosystem improvements. It also provides linkages between major policy elements seen as central to the council’s mandate.

A finance plan framework is included that will continue to be refined.

In tandem with the third draft, the council released a frequently-asked-questions document to clarify what is or is not considered a “covered action” under the Delta Reform Act.

Council members will discuss the third staff draft during a two-day meeting April 28-29 in Sacramento. Council workshops are planned for May 12-13, with time allocated to discuss issues such as Delta local government, business, residents and land owners.

The council expects to release a fourth staff draft in mid-May, with approval expected in mid-June to trigger a 45-day public comment period for a draft environmental impact report.