Implement the PlanImplement the Plan

ImplementationImplementation

Implementation bridges plan development and operations

Implementation is the cornerstone of plan success

Need for Plan

Quality of Plan

Implementation

Link to the Planning ProcessLink to the Planning Process

The strategy for implementing a plan is part of the plan

A plan’s implementation strategy will influences design will influence how it can be implemented

Policies are not just made & implemented, rather policy, planning, design & implementation are iterative, and interlinked (Alexander 1986)

AvoidAvoid

DO NOT develop plans that require enormous

efforts to be sold and that become obsolete

before they are implemented

Implementation of a Water Resources Plan Requires

Implementation of a Water Resources Plan Requires

Commitment to succeed Plans that are technically and politically viable A clear definition of policies, roles and

responsibilities Reasonable Formal endorsement

Obstacles to Effective ImplementationObstacles to Effective Implementation

Lack of a clear mandate Plan ambiguity False assumptions Reliance on “wished-for” conditions or behavior “Passive aggression” Resistance to change Lack of inter-agency coordination Personnel changes Insufficient resources

For Successful Plan ImplementationFor Successful Plan Implementation

Plans must be developed with implementation in mind

The planning process must be viewed as fair Links to formal channels of decision making must

be established Broad-based endorsement must be obtained Implementation plans must be developed Plans should be tested prior to implementation Political analysis must be incorporated into plan

development

If Plans are not ImplementedIf Plans are not Implemented

Changes in political or administrative leadership may erode its infrastructure

The credibility of the planning process will suffer

Trust among managers, stakeholders and decision makers may deteriorate

The status quo will prevail

Resources will be lost

Parties may be reluctant to participate in future planning efforts

The DPS Planning Process Provides a Strong Foundation for Plan Implementation

The DPS Planning Process Provides a Strong Foundation for Plan Implementation

Links with decision makers are created through circles of influence

Managers and stakeholders develop a shared interest in plan outcomes

A broad-base of support is generated prior to implementation

Shared vision models enhance plan communication

Virtual droughts are used for plan testing, evaluation & maintenance

Implementation Plans ContainImplementation Plans Contain

Descriptions of the tasks required to implement reach recommendationons for inter-agency coordination

Provisions for adequate resources and training

Public relations strategies

Timetables for implementation

Securing Commitment From Decision Makers

Securing Commitment From Decision Makers

Make the bottom line clear

Communication is essential

Tools for Plan CommunicationTools for Plan Communication

The Shared Vision Model

Decision matrices

Other comparative displays

Partnering Agreements Partnering Agreements

Establish a continuing collaborative process

Support the maintenance and use of the Shared Vision Model

Identify roles, relationships and responsibilities of water managers

Establish the legal bounds on the agreement

Specify when virtual drought exercises will be held

When Resources are Limited When Resources are Limited

Consider

1. Can the agency be enhanced with new resources?

2. Can existing resources be betterng goals?

3. What is the organizational capacity to carry out various functions?

Is the Planning Effort Complete?Is the Planning Effort Complete?

Plan implementation is not the end of the planning process

Long-term effectiveness must be sought

Provisions for plan maintenance must be established

Institutional commitment to this process must be obtained

SummarySummary

Planning is an essential activity. Water Resources Planning is a complex activity,

requiring cooperation among a wide variety of managers and stakeholders.

Federal water planning has a long history, which has led to the development of Principles and Guidelines.

The DPS planning paradigm makes use of federal guidance, new technology, and conflict resolution.

ExerciseExercise

Typical Tasks in Plan Implementation

Typical Tasks in Plan Implementation

When no Alternative Reduces Impacts Enough

When no Alternative Reduces Impacts Enough

Accept the status quo

Push for a strategic solution

Pursue the plan that helps most stakeholders

Pursue the plan that helps most stakeholders, but with payments to those who are hurt

Accept a plan principle, but agree to proceed with it during a drought only if possible losses do not materialize

Changes in Law and RegulationChanges in Law and Regulation

Can be very difficult; post-study funding source?

Environmental ReviewEnvironmental Review

NEPA - EA/EIS for changes in federal operating policies

JurisdictionJurisdiction

Institutionalization is greatly simplifies if the are of concern lies in a single state, or if it is encompassed by a River Basin Commission

Otherwise, interstate agreements or memoranda of understanding will be necessary

The danger in not formalizing the plan is that a change in political or administrative leadership may lead to decay of the plan’s infrastructure. It must be emphasized that political interest in drought quickly wanes when the crisis is over.

Donald A Wilhite

Decision MatrixDecision Matrix