Federal Review Says Plan To Restore Delta Is Lacking

 FRESNO, Calif. (AP) -- A new report by federal scientists says a plan to restore California's ailing freshwater delta and build a pipeline or canal to carry water to the south is missing critical information.

The National Academy of Sciences released its review of the draft plan for the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta on Thursday.

The delta supplies drinking water for nearly two-thirds of the state's population, irrigates millions of acres of crops and provides habitat for hundreds of plant and animal species.

The scientists found that the Bay Delta Conservation Plan lacks clear goals and a scientific analysis of the potential impact on species. They say it also fails to integrate scientific data.

So far, $150 million has been spent on developing the plan involving state and federal agencies, water districts and environmental groups.

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