Reclamation's leadership has been evaluating the analyses and recommendations included in the National Academy's report since the first draft was received in late November. Now, Interior Deputy Secretary P. Lynn Scarlett has asked that an action plan be delivered to Secretary Gale Norton on how Reclamation will address the recommendations in the National Academy's report by February 28, 2006. We will meet that deadline. I am pleased to have the Department's interest and support in this process.

The Academy report underscores the value of the President's Management Agenda and Secretary Norton's 4 C's approach - conservation through cooperation, communication, and consultation - in helping guide Reclamation in meeting future challenges. The plan that we will develop will include ample opportunity for substantial participation and input by our customers, our employees, the Congress, and other external stakeholders.

I take this report extremely seriously. Reclamation participated fully in the Academy's research, and I am grateful to the many customers, stakeholders and employees who generously took the time to contribute.

The Reclamation Leadership Team and I are excited to have the opportunity to shape the Bureau of Reclamation's organization and business practices to effectively meet the mission challenges, as well as the needs and expectations of our customers and stakeholders, in the 21st Century.