The Section is pleased to announce John A. Delaney as the recipient of the 2003 American Bar Association Award for Excellence in Environmental and Resources Stewardship. This award recognizes achievement or leadership in areas of sustainable development or environmental or resources stewardship. This may include major contributions in the areas of resources, energy, and/or environmental law or policy that serve to enhance conservation, responsible development, prudent resource use, and pollution abatement or mitigation.

John A. Delaney is one of Florida's leading environmental stewards. During his two terms as mayor of Jacksonville, Delaney's vision brought the city to national prominence for the restoration of the St. Johns River and the preservation of its environmentally sensitive lands.

Delaney led two summits in concert with state and local legislators and citizens focused on protecting, restoring and enhancing the St. Johns River, the lifeblood of Jacksonville's economy and quality of life. The result of the first summit was a five-year plan to reduce pollution from storm water and improve water quality in the upper river. The plan was funded with nearly $200 million from federal, state and local governments.

The second summit broadened the scope of planning to include the entire reach of St. Johns River, ranging from Central to Northern Florida. That summit focused on ways to improve the river's water quality, as well as on water supply issues. It also explored developing recreational opportunities, including a St. Johns River Trail, and a system of greenways and blueways.

Delaney was also instrumental in having the St. Johns named an American Heritage River in 1998 by the President Clinton. That designation elevated the river and the Mayor's River Summit to a national level. In addition, it brought the promise from the federal government to help targeted communities receive federal aid for cleaning rivers and fostering economic development on waterfronts.

Delaney's original vision for the St. Johns River has resulted in several unique characteristics in the St. Johns River Initiative. First, the Initiative is a comprehensive long-term plan for the entire 310-mile long river. Second, it has increased stakeholder involvement in decisions relative to water quality, water supply and use, aquatic habitat, and developing a greenways and trails master plan. Third, it has sustained legislative and grassroots support for restoration of the river that has improved opportunities to garner funding for priority projects. Finally, the Initiative has drawn participants from all areas of the river's watershed and from all interest groups.

In January 1999, Delaney kicked off a major growth management and land conservation program called The Preservation Project. Through the Project, more than 60,000 acres of land has been set aside for conservation and passive recreation. The Project also included plans to upgrade more than 100 local parks and preserve and enhance public access to the St. Johns River and other natural assets. Since then, more than 60 square miles have been conserved - exceeding the initial five-year acquisition goal by 300 percent. The Project, which receives funds as mitigation for construction projects on wetlands, is a national model for restoring and protecting large ecosystems. It was the first program of its kind in the nation to develop a partnership with the National Park Service and the Department of Environmental Protection.

Prior to his service as mayor, Delaney was the general counsel for the City of Jacksonville and chief of staff to the Jacksonville mayor. He also served a decade as a prosecutor in the State Attorney's Office of Florida's Fourth Judicial Circuit and spent six of those years as the chief assistant state attorney. Delaney is currently the president of the University of North Florida.

The ABA Section of Environment, Energy, and Resources considers it an honor to have presented this award to John Delaney.