The concept of a Bay-Delta Science Consortium was established to foster cooperative use of San Francisco Bay-Delta research, monitoring and outreach facilities. This Science Consortium was envisioned as a collaborative association of governmental, university and private parties along with the State-federal CALFED agencies striving to work cooperatively on common issues related to the San Francisco Bay-Delta region. Subsequently, a Memorandum of Understanding establishing the Bay-Delta Science Consortium was signed by Department of Fish and Game, Department of Water Resources, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Geological Survey, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, University of California at Davis, California State University at Hayward, San Francisco State University, The Delta Science Center, National Heritage Institute, PRBO Conservation and the San Francisco Estuary Institute.

One of the major objectives of the Science Consortium is the development of new joint facilities to be occupied by DWR, DFG, USBR, USGS, USFWS and other agency staff involved in the study, restoration, and maintenance of the San Francisco Bay-Delta Estuary. These new joint, shared science center facilities are to be associated with University of California, Davis, along with a suitable Field Station site for Consortium members in the Delta. Integrating the facilities use for all Consortium participants will strongly promote collaboration among the scientists of the participating parties and allow for the augmentation of Bay-Delta science and outreach through multi-discipline, multi-organization cooperation.

In February 2001, the Science Consortium formally recommended locating the new Bay-Delta Science Center near the UCD Campus. The connection with the campus will further promote collaboration with the academic programs, staff and students at UCD. In addition, a Field Station site has been recommended to be located in the Delta. One location that is presently being looked at is near the City of Rio Vista. The City has acquired a closed U.S. Army Base along the Sacramento River conveyed to them through the Government's base closure program.

Presently, DWR and DFG are working with Department of General Services to lease the facilities needed for the Bay-Delta Science Consortium. The science center and field station facilities are scheduled to be complete in spring of 2006.