,,ii #aaith ,,congress #b;d ,session ,s4 #dedc ,,in ,,the ,,senate ,,of ,,the ,,united ,,states ,may #ad1 #bjbf,mr4 ,blumenthal 7for himself1 ,ms4 ,hirono1 ,mr4 ,merkley1 ,mr4 ,heinrich1 and ,mr4 ,booker7 introduced the following bill2 which was read twice and referred to the ,committee on ,environment and ,public ,works ,a ,,bill ,to create dedicated funds to conserve butterflies in ,north ,america1 plants in the ,pacific ,islands1 freshwater mussels in the ,united ,states1 and desert fish in the ,southwest ,united ,states1 and for other purposes4 #a4 ,short title2 table of contents 7a7 ,short title ,this ,act may be cited as the ,extinction ,prevention ,act of #bjbf4 7b7 ,table of contents ,the table of contents for this ,act is as follows3 ,sec4 #a4 ,short title2 table of contents4,,title ,i--,north ,america ,butterfly ,conservation ,act of #bjbf,sec4 #aja4 ,short title4,sec4 #ajb4 ,purposes4,sec4 #ajc4 ,definitions4,sec4 #ajd4 ,north ,america butterfly conservation assistance4,sec4 #aje4 ,north ,america ,butterfly ,conservation ,fund4,sec4 #ajf4 ,authorization of appropriations4,sec4 #ajg4 ,report to ,congress4,,title ,,ii--,pacific ,islands ,plant ,conservation ,fund ,act of #bjbf,sec4 #bja4 ,short title4,sec4 #bjb4 ,purposes4,sec4 #bjc4 ,definitions4,sec4 #bjd4 ,pacific ,islands plant conservation assistance4,sec4 #bje4 ,pacific ,islands ,plant ,conservation ,fund4,sec4 #bjf4 ,authorization of appropriations4,sec4 #bjg4 ,report to ,congress4,,title ,,iii--,freshwater ,mussel ,conservation ,fund ,act of #bjbf,sec4 #cja4 ,short title4,sec4 #cjb4 ,purposes4,sec4 #cjc4 ,definitions4,sec4 #cjd4 ,united ,states freshwater mussel conservation assistance4,sec4 #cje4 ,freshwater ,mussel ,conservation ,fund4,sec4 #cjf4 ,authorization of appropriations4,sec4 #cjg4 ,report to ,congress4,,title ,,iv--,southwest ,desert ,fish ,conservation ,fund ,act of #bjbf,sec4 #dja4 ,short title4,sec4 #djb4 ,purposes4,sec4 #djc4 ,definitions4,sec4 #djd4 ,southwest desert fish conservation assistance4,sec4 #dje4 ,southwest ,desert ,fish ,conservation ,fund4,sec4 #djf4 ,authorization of appropriations4,sec4 #djg4 ,report to ,congress4 ,i ,north ,america ,butterfly ,conservation ,act of #bjbf #aja4 ,short title ,this title may be cited as the ,north ,america ,butterfly ,conservation ,fund ,act of #bjbf4 #ajb4 ,purposes ,the purposes of this title are-- 7#a7 to perpetuate healthy populations of butterflies in ,north ,america2 7#b7 to assist in the conservation of threatened and endangered butterflies by supporting conservation initiatives in ,north ,america2 and 7#c7 to provide financial resources and to foster international cooperation for those initiatives4 #ajc4 ,definitions ,in this title3 7#a7 ,north ,america butterfly conservation ,the term ,north ,america butterfly conservation means the use of all methods and procedures necessary to protect habitats of butterflies in ,north ,america and of butterflies in those habitats1 including-- 7,a7 protection1 restoration1 and management of habitats2 7,b7 onsite research and monitoring of populations1 habitats1 annual reproduction1 and butterfly species population trends2 7,c7 assistance in the development1 implementation1 and improvement of national and regional management plans2 7,d7 enforcement and implementation of applicable conservation laws2 and 7,e7 community outreach and education4 7#b7 ,fund ,the term ,fund means the ,north ,america ,butterfly ,conservation ,fund established by section #aje4 7#c7 ,butterfly2 butterflies ,the terms butterfly and butterflies mean any member of the order ,lepidoptera4 7#d7 ,north ,america ,the term ,north ,america means the ,united ,states1 ,canada1 ,mexico1 ,antigua and ,barbuda1 ,bahamas1 ,barbados1 ,belize1 ,costa ,rica1 ,cuba1 ,dominica1 ,dominican ,republic1 ,el ,salvador1 ,grenada1 ,guatemala1 ,haiti1 ,honduras1 ,jamaica1 ,nicaragua1 ,panama1 ,saint ,kitts and ,nevis1 ,saint ,lucia1 ,saint ,vincent and the ,grenadines1 and ,trinidad and ,tobago4 7#e7 ,secretary ,the term ,secretary means the ,secretary of the ,interior4 #ajd4 ,north ,america butterfly conservation assistance 7a7 ,assistance 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary shall1 in consultation with other ,federal officials1 use amounts in the ,fund to provide competitive financial assistance1 including multiyear grants1 for ,north ,america butterfly conservation projects4 7#b7 ,use of existing authorities ,assistance provided under this section shall be carried out in a manner consistent with authorities available to the ,secretary under the ,endangered ,species ,act of #aigc 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #aeca et seq474 7b7 ,project proposals 7#a7 ,eligible applicants ,a proposal for a ,north ,america butterfly conservation project may be submitted to the ,secretary under this section by-- 7,a7 a ,state or ,tribal agency1 research institution1 nonprofit organization1 or wildlife management authority in ,north ,america that-- 7i7 exercises control or has jurisdiction over butterfly habitat2 and 7ii7 directly or indirectly affects ,north ,america butterfly conservation2 or 7,b7 any other individual or entity1 as the ,secretary determines appropriate1 with the demonstrated expertise required to carry out ,north ,america butterfly conservation4 7#b7 ,federal partnership opportunities ,a ,federal agency may not be a lead entity or receive funding for a project under this section1 but may be included as a partner or collaborator on a project that receives such funding4 7#c7 ,required elements ,a project proposal submitted under this section shall include-- 7,a7 a statement of the purposes of the project2 7,b7 the name of the individual or entity with overall responsibility for the project2 7,c7 a description of-- 7i7 the qualifications of the individual or entity that will conduct the project2 7ii7 methods for project implementation and outcome assessment2 7iii7 staffing and stakeholder engagement for the project1 including mechanisms to encourage adequate local public participation in project development and implementation2 7iv7 the logistics of the project1 including cost estimates and timelines2 and 7v7 anticipated outcomes of the project2 7,d7 evidence of free1 informed1 and prior consent by indigenous communities in the area in which the project will be conducted1 if the ,secretary determines that such consent is required for the success of the project2 7,e7 assurances that the project will be implemented in consultation with relevant wildlife management authorities1 ,tribes1 and other appropriate government officials2 7,f7 demonstrated sensitivity to local historic and cultural resources and compliance with applicable laws2 7,g7 information that demonstrates the potential of the project to contribute to ,north ,america butterfly conservation2 7,h7 evidence of support for the project from each appropriate governmental entity of each country1 ,tribe1 and indigenous community in which the project will be conducted1 if the ,secretary determines that such support is required for the success of the project2 7,i7 information regarding the source and amount of any matching funding available for the project2 and 7,j7 such other information as the ,secretary determines appropriate4 7c7 ,project review and approval 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary shall-- 7,a7 not later than #cj days after receiving a project proposal1 provide a copy of the proposal to other ,federal officials1 as appropriate2 and 7,b7 review each project proposal to determine whether the proposal meets the criteria specified in subsection 7d74 7#b7 ,consultation2 approval or disapproval ,not later than #ahj days after receiving a project proposal1 the ,secretary shall1 after consulting with other ,federal officials1 as appropriate1 with respect to each project proposal submitted under this section-- 7,a7 consult on the project proposal with the government of each country in which the project is to be conducted2 7,b7 after taking into consideration any comments resulting from such consultation1 approve or disapprove the project proposal2 and 7,c7 provide written notification of the approval or disapproval to the individual or entity that submitted the project proposal1 such other ,federal officials1 and each country described in subparagraph 7,a74 7d7 ,criteria for approval 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary may approve a project proposal under this section if the project will help recover and sustain viable populations of butterflies in the wild by assisting efforts to implement ,north ,america butterfly conservation programs4 7#b7 ,priority ,in selecting projects for approval1 the ,secretary shall give priority to projects that conserve species of butterflies that are listed as a threatened or endangered species under the ,endangered ,species ,act of #aigc 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #aeca et seq474 7#c7 ,project sustainability ,to the maximum extent practicable1 in determining whether to approve a project proposal under this section1 the ,secretary shall give preference to projects that are designed to ensure effective and long-term ,north ,america butterfly conservation4 7#d7 ,matching funds ,in determining whether to approve a project proposal under this section1 the ,secretary shall give preference to projects for which matching funds are available4 7#e7 ,waiver ,the ,secretary may waive the application of paragraphs 7#b71 7#c71 or 7#d7 with respect to a project if the ,secretary-- 7,a7 has identified the project as of high priority2 and 7,b7 finds that such waiver is necessary to support the project4 7e7 ,project reporting 7#a7 ,in general ,each individual or entity that receives assistance under this section for a project shall submit to the ,secretary periodic reports 7at such intervals as the ,secretary determines appropriate7 that include all information that the ,secretary1 after consultation with other government officials1 determines is necessary to evaluate the progress and success of such project for the purposes of ensuring positive results1 assessing problems1 and fostering improvements4 7#b7 ,availability to the public ,the ,secretary shall make available to the public each report submitted under paragraph 7#a7 and any other document relating to a project for which financial assistance is provided under this title4 #aje4 ,north ,america ,butterfly ,conservation ,fund 7a7 ,establishment ,there is established in the ,treasury a separate account1 to be known as the ,north ,america ,butterfly ,conservation ,fund1 consisting of-- 7#a7 amounts transferred to the ,secretary for deposit into the ,fund under subsection 7e72 7#b7 amounts appropriated to the ,fund under section #ajf2 and 7#c7 any interest earned on investment of amounts in the ,fund under subsection 7c74 7b7 ,expenditures from fund 7#a7 ,in general ,subject to paragraph 7#b71 at the request of the ,secretary1 the ,secretary of the ,treasury shall transfer from the ,fund to the ,secretary1 without further appropriation1 such amounts as the ,secretary determines are necessary to carry out section #ajd4 7#b7 ,administrative expenses ,of the amounts in the ,fund available for each fiscal year1 the ,secretary may expend the greater of #c percent of such amounts or #hj1jjj to pay the administrative expenses necessary to carry out this title4 7c7 ,investment of amounts 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary of the ,treasury shall invest such portion of the ,fund as is not1 in the judgment of the ,secretary of the ,treasury1 required to meet current withdrawals4 ,such investments may be made only in interest-bearing obligations of the ,united ,states4 7#b7 ,acquisition of obligations ,for the purpose of investments under paragraph 7#a71 obligations may be acquired-- 7,a7 on original issue at the issue price2 or 7,b7 by purchase of outstanding obligations at market price4 7#c7 ,sale of obligations ,any obligation acquired by the ,fund may be sold by the ,secretary of the ,treasury at market price4 7#d7 ,credits to fund ,the interest on1 and the proceeds from the sale or redemption of1 any obligations held in the ,fund shall be credited to and form a part of the ,fund4 7d7 ,transfers of amounts 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary of the ,treasury shall transfer at least monthly the amounts required to be transferred to the ,fund under this section from the general fund of the ,treasury to the ,fund on the basis of estimates made by the ,secretary of the ,treasury4 7#b7 ,adjustments ,the ,secretary of the ,treasury shall make proper adjustment in amounts subsequently transferred to the extent prior estimates were in excess of or less than the amounts required to be transferred4 7e7 ,acceptance and use of donations 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary may accept for the ,government a gift of any of the following to provide assistance under section #ajd3 7,a7 ,money4 7,b7 ,an obligation of the ,government included in the public debt made only on the condition that the obligation be canceled and retired and not reissued4 7,c7 ,other intangible personal property made only on the condition that the property is sold on the best terms available and the proceeds are deposited in the ,fund4 7#b7 ,discretion to reject a gift ,the ,secretary may reject a gift under this section when the rejection is in the interest of the ,government4 7#c7 ,taxes ,if a gift received under this subsection is subject to a gift or inheritance tax1 the ,secretary may pay the tax out of the proceeds of the gift or the proceeds of the redemption or sale of the gift4 #ajf4 ,authorization of appropriations ,there are authorized to be appropriated to the ,secretary #e1jjj1jjj for each of fiscal years #bjbg through #bjcb to carry out this title4 #ajg4 ,report to ,congress 7a7 ,in general ,not later than ,january #ca of each calendar year after the date of the enactment of this title1 the ,secretary shall submit to ,congress a report regarding the ,fund and the status of butterflies in ,north ,america during the preceding calendar year4 7b7 ,contents of reports ,each report submitted under subsection 7a7 shall include1 with respect to the calendar year for which such report is submitted-- 7#a7 the total amount deposited into and expended from the ,fund2 7#b7 the costs associated with carrying out this title2 7#c7 a summary of the projects for which the ,secretary provided assistance under section #ajd and an evaluation of such projects2 and 7#d7 an evaluation of the status of threatened and endangered populations of butterflies in ,north ,america4 ,,ii ,pacific ,islands ,plant ,conservation ,fund ,act of #bjbf #bja4 ,short title ,this title may be cited as the ,pacific ,islands ,plant ,conservation ,fund ,act of #bjbf4 #bjb4 ,purposes ,the purposes of this title are-- 7#a7 to assist in the conservation of threatened and endangered species of plants in the ,pacific ,islands2 and 7#b7 to support and provide financial resources for projects to conserve such species of plants and the ecosystems of such species of plants and to address other threats to the survival of such species of plants4 #bjc4 ,definitions ,in this title3 7#a7 ,pacific ,islands plant conservation ,the term ,pacific ,islands plant conservation means the use of all methods and procedures necessary to protect species of plants in the ,pacific ,islands including-- 7,a7 protection1 restoration1 and management of ecosystems2 7,b7 onsite research and monitoring of populations1 ecosystems1 annual reproduction1 and plant population trends2 7,c7 assistance in the development1 implementation1 and improvement of management plans2 7,d7 enforcement and implementation of applicable conservation laws2 and 7,e7 community outreach and education4 7#b7 ,fund ,the term ,fund means the ,pacific ,islands ,plant ,conservation ,fund established by section #bje4 7#c7 ,pacific ,islands ,the term ,pacific ,islands means the ,hawaiian ,islands and the ,united ,states territories of ,guam1 ,american ,samoa1 and the ,northern ,mariana ,islands4 7#d7 ,secretary ,the term ,secretary means the ,secretary of the ,interior4 #bjd4 ,pacific ,islands plant conservation assistance 7a7 ,assistance 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary shall1 in consultation with other ,federal officials1 use amounts in the ,fund to provide competitive financial assistance1 including multiyear grants1 for ,pacific ,islands plant conservation projects4 7#b7 ,use of existing authorities ,assistance provided under this section shall be carried out in a manner consistent with authorities available to the ,secretary under the ,endangered ,species ,act of #aigc 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #aeca et seq474 7b7 ,project proposals 7#a7 ,eligible applicants ,a project proposal for ,pacific ,islands plant conservation may be submitted to the ,secretary under this section by a ,state1 territory1 or ,tribal agency or any other individual or entity1 as determined appropriate by the ,secretary1 with the expertise required to carry out ,pacific ,islands plant conservation4 7#b7 ,federal partnership opportunities ,a ,federal agency may not be a lead entity or receive funding for a project under this section1 but may be included as a partner or collaborator on a project that receives such funding4 7#c7 ,required elements ,a project proposal submitted under this section shall include-- 7,a7 a statement of the purposes of the project2 7,b7 the name of the individual or entity with overall responsibility for the project2 7,c7 a description of-- 7i7 the qualifications of the individual or entity that will conduct the project2 7ii7 methods for project implementation and outcome assessment2 7iii7 staffing and stakeholder engagement for the project1 including mechanisms to ensure adequate local public participation in project development and implementation2 7iv7 the logistics of the project1 including cost estimates and timelines2 7v7 anticipated outcomes of the project2 and 7vi7 how the project will promote sustainable1 effective1 long-term programs to conserve plant populations on the ,pacific ,islands2 7,d7 assurances that the project will be implemented in consultation with relevant wildlife management authorities1 ,tribes1 and other appropriate government officials2 7,e7 demonstrated sensitivity to local historic and cultural resources and compliance with applicable laws2 7,f7 information that demonstrates the potential of the project to contribute to ,pacific ,islands plant conservation2 7,g7 information regarding the source and amount of any matching funding available for the project2 and 7,h7 such other information as the ,secretary determines appropriate4 7c7 ,project review and approval 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary shall-- 7,a7 not later than #cj days after receiving a project proposal1 provide a copy of the proposal to other ,federal officials1 as appropriate2 and 7,b7 review each project proposal to determine whether the proposal meets the criteria specified in subsection 7d74 7#b7 ,consultation2 approval or disapproval ,the ,secretary shall1 after consulting with other ,federal officials1 as appropriate1 with respect to each project proposal submitted under this section-- 7,a7 consult on the project proposal with the government of each ,state or territory in which such project is to be conducted2 7,b7 after taking into consideration any comments resulting from such consultation1 approve or disapprove the project proposal2 and 7,c7 provide written notification of the approval or disapproval to the individual or entity that submitted the project proposal1 such other ,federal officials1 and each ,state or territory described in subparagraph 7,a74 7d7 ,criteria for approval 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary may approve a project proposal under this section if the project will help recover and sustain viable populations of threatened and endangered plants by assisting efforts to implement ,pacific ,islands plant conservation programs4 7#b7 ,priority ,in selecting projects for approval1 the ,secretary shall give priority to projects that conserve species of plants that are listed as a threatened or endangered species under the ,endangered ,species ,act of #aigc 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #aeca et seq474 7#c7 ,project sustainability ,to the maximum extent practicable1 in determining whether to approve a project proposal under this section1 the ,secretary shall give preference to projects that are designed to ensure effective and long-term ,pacific ,islands plant conservation4 7#d7 ,matching funds ,in determining whether to approve a project proposal under this section1 the ,secretary shall give preference to projects for which matching funds are available4 7#e7 ,waiver ,the ,secretary may waive the application of paragraphs 7#b71 7#c71 or 7#d7 with respect to a project if the ,secretary-- 7,a7 has identified the project as of high priority2 and 7,b7 finds that such waiver is necessary to support the project4 7e7 ,project reporting 7#a7 ,in general ,each individual or entity that receives assistance under this section for a project shall submit to the ,secretary periodic reports 7at such intervals as the ,secretary determines appropriate7 that include all information that the ,secretary1 after consultation with other government officials1 determines is necessary to evaluate the progress and success of such project for the purposes of ensuring positive results1 assessing problems1 and fostering improvements4 7#b7 ,availability to the public ,the ,secretary shall make available to the public each report submitted under paragraph 7#a7 and any other document relating to a project for which financial assistance is provided under this title4 #bje4 ,pacific ,islands ,plant ,conservation ,fund 7a7 ,establishment ,there is established in the ,treasury a separate account1 to be known as the ,pacific ,islands ,plant ,conservation ,fund1 consisting of-- 7#a7 amounts transferred to the ,secretary for deposit into the ,fund under subsection 7e72 7#b7 amounts appropriated to the ,fund under section #bjf2 and 7#c7 any interest earned on investment of amounts in the ,fund under subsection 7c74 7b7 ,expenditures from fund 7#a7 ,in general ,subject to paragraph 7#b71 at the request of the ,secretary1 the ,secretary of the ,treasury shall transfer from the ,fund to the ,secretary1 without further appropriation1 such amounts as the ,secretary determines are necessary to carry out section #bjd4 7#b7 ,administrative expenses ,of the amounts in the ,fund available for each fiscal year1 the ,secretary may expend the greater of #c percent of such amounts or #hj1jjj to pay the administrative expenses necessary to carry out this title4 7c7 ,investment of amounts 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary of the ,treasury shall invest such portion of the ,fund as is not1 in the judgment of the ,secretary of the ,treasury1 required to meet current withdrawals4 ,such investments may be made only in interest-bearing obligations of the ,united ,states4 7#b7 ,acquisition of obligations ,for the purpose of investments under paragraph 7#a71 obligations may be acquired-- 7,a7 on original issue at the issue price2 or 7,b7 by purchase of outstanding obligations at market price4 7#c7 ,sale of obligations ,any obligation acquired by the ,fund may be sold by the ,secretary of the ,treasury at market price4 7#d7 ,credits to fund ,the interest on1 and the proceeds from the sale or redemption of1 any obligations held in the ,fund shall be credited to and form a part of the ,fund4 7d7 ,transfers of amounts 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary of the ,treasury shall transfer at least monthly the amounts required to be transferred to the ,fund under this section from the general fund of the ,treasury to the ,fund on the basis of estimates made by the ,secretary of the ,treasury4 7#b7 ,adjustments ,the ,secretary of the ,treasury shall make proper adjustment in amounts subsequently transferred to the extent prior estimates were in excess of or less than the amounts required to be transferred4 7e7 ,acceptance and use of donations 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary may accept for the ,government a gift of any of the following to provide assistance under section #bjd3 7,a7 ,money4 7,b7 ,an obligation of the ,government included in the public debt made only on the condition that the obligation be canceled and retired and not reissued4 7,c7 ,other intangible personal property made only on the condition that the property is sold on the best terms available and the proceeds are deposited in the ,fund4 7#b7 ,discretion to reject a gift ,the ,secretary may reject a gift under this section when the rejection is in the interest of the ,government4 7#c7 ,taxes ,if a gift received under this subsection is subject to a gift or inheritance tax1 the ,secretary may pay the tax out of the proceeds of the gift or the proceeds of the redemption or sale of the gift4 #bjf4 ,authorization of appropriations ,there are authorized to be appropriated to the ,secretary #e1jjj1jjj for each of fiscal years #bjbg through #bjcb to carry out this title4 #bjg4 ,report to ,congress 7a7 ,in general ,not later than ,january #ca of each calendar year after the date of the enactment of this title1 the ,secretary shall submit to ,congress a report regarding the ,fund and the status of species of plants in the ,pacific ,islands during the preceding calendar year4 7b7 ,contents of reports ,each report submitted under subsection 7a7 shall include with respect to the calendar year for which the report is submitted-- 7#a7 the total amount deposited into and expended from the ,fund2 7#b7 the costs associated with carrying out this title2 7#c7 a summary of the projects for which the ,secretary provided assistance under section #bjd and an evaluation of such projects2 and 7#d7 an evaluation of the status of threatened and endangered populations of plants in the ,pacific ,islands4 ,,iii ,freshwater ,mussel ,conservation ,fund ,act of #bjbf #cja4 ,short title ,this title may be cited as the ,freshwater ,mussel ,conservation ,fund ,act of #bjbf4 #cjb4 ,purposes ,the purposes of this title are-- 7#a7 to assist in the conservation of threatened and endangered freshwater mussels and the habitats of such freshwater mussels in the ,united ,states2 and 7#b7 to support and provide financial resources for projects to conserve such freshwater mussels and the habitats of such freshwater mussels and to address other threats to the survival of such freshwater mussels4 #cjc4 ,definitions ,in this title3 7#a7 ,united ,states freshwater mussel conservation ,the term ,united ,states freshwater mussel conservation means the use of all methods and procedures necessary to protect habitats of freshwater mussel species in the ,united ,states and of the freshwater mussel species in those habitats1 including-- 7,a7 protection1 restoration1 and management of habitats2 7,b7 onsite research and monitoring of populations1 habitats1 annual reproduction1 and freshwater mussel species population trends2 7,c7 assistance in the development1 implementation1 and improvement of national and regional management plans2 7,d7 enforcement and implementation of applicable conservation laws2 and 7,e7 community outreach and education4 7#b7 ,fund ,the term ,fund means the ,freshwater ,mussel ,conservation ,fund established by section #cje4 7#c7 ,freshwater mussel2 freshwater mussels ,the terms freshwater mussel and freshwater mussels mean any member of the order ,unioinida4 7#d7 ,secretary ,the term ,secretary means the ,secretary of the ,interior4 #cjd4 ,united ,states freshwater mussel conservation assistance 7a7 ,assistance 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary shall1 in consultation with other ,federal officials1 use amounts in the ,fund to provide competitive financial assistance1 including multiyear grants1 for ,united ,states freshwater mussel conservation projects4 7#b7 ,use of existing authorities ,assistance provided under this section shall be carried out in a manner consistent with authorities available to the ,secretary under the ,endangered ,species ,act of #aigc 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #aeca et seq474 7b7 ,project proposals 7#a7 ,eligible applicants ,a project proposal for ,united ,states freshwater mussel conservation may be submitted to the ,secretary under this section by a ,state or ,tribal agency1 research institution1 nonprofit organization1 or any other individual or entity1 as determined appropriate by the ,secretary1 with the expertise required to carry out ,united ,states freshwater mussel conservation4 7#b7 ,federal partnership opportunities ,a ,federal agency may not be a lead entity or receive funding for a project under this section1 but may be included as a partner or collaborator on a project that receives such funding4 7#c7 ,required elements ,a project proposal submitted under this section shall include-- 7,a7 a statement of the purposes of the project2 7,b7 the name of the individual or entity with overall responsibility for the project2 7,c7 a description of-- 7i7 the qualifications of the individual or entity that will conduct the project2 7ii7 methods for project implementation and outcome assessment2 7iii7 staffing and stakeholder engagement for the project1 including mechanisms to ensure adequate local public participation in project development and implementation2 7iv7 the logistics of the project1 including cost estimates and timelines2 7v7 anticipated outcomes of the project2 and 7vi7 how the project will promote sustainable1 effective1 long-term programs to conserve freshwater mussels in the ,united ,states2 7,d7 assurances that the project will be implemented in consultation with relevant wildlife management authorities1 ,tribes1 and other appropriate government officials2 7,e7 demonstrated sensitivity to local historic and cultural resources and compliance with applicable laws2 7,f7 information that demonstrates the potential of the project to contribute to ,united ,states freshwater mussel conservation2 7,g7 information regarding the source and amount of any matching funding available for the project2 and 7,h7 such other information as the ,secretary determines appropriate4 7c7 ,project review and approval 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary shall-- 7,a7 solicit project proposals for assistance under this section2 7,b7 provide a copy of each project proposal submitted in response to such solicitation to other ,federal officials1 as appropriate2 and 7,c7 review each such proposal on a timeline that recognizes the urgency of the declining number of freshwater mussels in the ,united ,states to determine whether the proposal meets the criteria specified in subsection 7d74 7#b7 ,consultation2 approval or disapproval ,the ,secretary shall1 after consulting with other ,federal officials1 as appropriate1 with respect to each project proposal submitted under this section-- 7,a7 consult on the project proposal with the government of each ,state in which the project is to be conducted2 7,b7 after taking into consideration any comments resulting from such consultation1 approve or disapprove the project proposal2 and 7,c7 provide written notification of the approval or disapproval to the individual or entity that submitted the project proposal1 such other ,federal officials1 and each ,state described in subparagraph 7,a74 7d7 ,criteria for approval 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary may approve a project proposal under this section if the project shows promise for contributing to recovering and sustaining freshwater mussel populations in the wild in the ,united ,states4 7#b7 ,priority ,in selecting projects for approval1 the ,secretary shall give priority to projects that conserve species of freshwater mussels that are listed as a threatened or endangered species under the ,endangered ,species ,act of #aigc 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #aeca et seq474 7#c7 ,project sustainability ,to the maximum extent practicable1 in determining whether to approve a project proposal under this section1 the ,secretary shall give preference to projects that are designed to ensure effective and long-term ,united ,states freshwater mussel conservation4 7#d7 ,matching funds ,in determining whether to approve a project proposal under this section1 the ,secretary shall give preference to projects for which matching funds are available4 7#e7 ,waiver ,the ,secretary may waive the application of paragraphs 7#b71 7#c71 or 7#d7 with respect to a project if the ,secretary-- 7,a7 has identified the project as of high priority2 and 7,b7 finds that such waiver is necessary to support the project4 7e7 ,project reporting 7#a7 ,in general ,each individual or entity that receives assistance under this section for a project shall submit to the ,secretary periodic reports 7at such intervals as the ,secretary determines appropriate7 that include all information that the ,secretary1 after consultation with other government officials1 determines is necessary to evaluate the progress and success of such project for the purposes of ensuring positive results1 assessing problems1 and fostering improvements4 7#b7 ,availability to the public ,the ,secretary shall make available to the public each report submitted under paragraph 7#a7 and any other document relating to a project for which financial assistance is provided under this title4 #cje4 ,freshwater ,mussel ,conservation ,fund 7a7 ,establishment ,there is established in the ,treasury a separate account1 to be known as the ,freshwater ,mussel ,conservation ,fund1 consisting of-- 7#a7 amounts transferred to the ,secretary for deposit into the ,fund under subsection 7e72 7#b7 amounts appropriated to the ,fund under section #cjf2 and 7#c7 any interest earned on investment of amounts in the ,fund under subsection 7c74 7b7 ,expenditures from fund 7#a7 ,in general ,subject to paragraph 7#b71 at the request of the ,secretary1 the ,secretary of the ,treasury shall transfer from the ,fund to the ,secretary1 without further appropriation1 such amounts as the ,secretary determines are necessary to carry out section #cjd4 7#b7 ,administrative expenses ,of the amounts in the ,fund available for each fiscal year1 the ,secretary may expend the greater of #c percent of such amounts or #hj1jjj to pay the administrative expenses necessary to carry out this title4 7c7 ,investment of amounts 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary of the ,treasury shall invest such portion of the ,fund as is not1 in the judgment of the ,secretary of the ,treasury1 required to meet current withdrawals4 ,such investments may be made only in interest-bearing obligations of the ,united ,states4 7#b7 ,acquisition of obligations ,for the purpose of investments under paragraph 7#a71 obligations may be acquired-- 7,a7 on original issue at the issue price2 or 7,b7 by purchase of outstanding obligations at market price4 7#c7 ,sale of obligations ,any obligation acquired by the ,fund may be sold by the ,secretary of the ,treasury at market price4 7#d7 ,credits to fund ,the interest on1 and the proceeds from the sale or redemption of1 any obligations held in the ,fund shall be credited to and form a part of the ,fund4 7d7 ,transfers of amounts 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary of the ,treasury shall transfer at least monthly the amounts required to be transferred to the ,fund under this section from the general fund of the ,treasury to the ,fund on the basis of estimates made by the ,secretary of the ,treasury4 7#b7 ,adjustments ,the ,secretary of the ,treasury shall make proper adjustment in amounts subsequently transferred to the extent prior estimates were in excess of or less than the amounts required to be transferred4 7e7 ,acceptance and use of donations 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary may accept for the ,government a gift of any of the following to provide assistance under section #cjd3 7,a7 ,money4 7,b7 ,an obligation of the ,government included in the public debt made only on the condition that the obligation be canceled and retired and not reissued4 7,c7 ,other intangible personal property made only on the condition that the property is sold on the best terms available and the proceeds are deposited in the ,fund4 7#b7 ,discretion to reject a gift ,the ,secretary may reject a gift under this section when the rejection is in the interest of the ,government4 7#c7 ,taxes ,if a gift received under this subsection is subject to a gift or inheritance tax1 the ,secretary may pay the tax out of the proceeds of the gift or the proceeds of the redemption or sale of the gift4 #cjf4 ,authorization of appropriations ,there are authorized to be appropriated to the ,secretary #e1jjj1jjj for each of fiscal years #bjbg through #bjcb to carry out this title4 #cjg4 ,report to ,congress 7a7 ,in general ,not later than ,january #ca of each calendar year after the date of the enactment of this title1 the ,secretary shall submit to ,congress a report regarding the ,fund and the status of freshwater mussels in the ,united ,states during the preceding calendar year4 7b7 ,contents of reports ,each such report shall include with respect to the calendar year for which the report is submitted-- 7#a7 the total amount deposited into and expended from the ,fund2 7#b7 the costs associated with carrying out this title2 7#c7 a summary of the projects for which the ,secretary has provided assistance under section #cjd and an evaluation of those projects2 and 7#d7 an evaluation of the status of threatened and endangered populations of freshwater mussel in the ,united ,states4 ,,iv ,southwest ,desert ,fish ,conservation ,fund ,act of #bjbf #dja4 ,short title ,this title may be cited as the ,southwest ,desert ,fish ,conservation ,fund ,act of #bjbf4 #djb4 ,purposes ,the purposes of this title are-- 7#a7 to assist in the conservation of threatened and endangered desert fish and the habitats of such desert fish in the ,southwest2 and 7#b7 to support and provide financial resources for projects to conserve such desert fish and the habitats of such desert fish and to address other threats to the survival of such desert fish species4 #djc4 ,definitions ,in this title3 7#a7 ,southwest desert fish conservation ,the term ,southwest desert fish conservation means the use of all methods and procedures necessary to protect habitats of desert fish species in the ,southwest and of the desert fish species in those habitats1 including-- 7,a7 protection1 restoration1 and management of habitats2 7,b7 onsite research and monitoring of populations1 habitats1 annual reproduction1 and desert fish species population trends2 7,c7 assistance in the development1 implementation1 and improvement of national and regional management plans2 7,d7 enforcement and implementation of applicable conservation laws2 and 7,e7 community outreach and education4 7#b7 ,fund ,the term ,fund means the ,southwest ,desert ,fish ,conservation ,fund established by section #dje4 7#c7 ,desert fish ,the term desert fish means any member of the class ,osteichthyes living in a desert ecosystem4 7#d7 ,southwest ,the term ,southwest means the ,states of ,arizona1 ,california1 ,colorado1 ,nevada1 ,new ,mexico1 ,oregon1 and ,utah4 7#e7 ,secretary ,the term ,secretary means the ,secretary of the ,interior4 #djd4 ,southwest desert fish conservation assistance 7a7 ,assistance 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary shall1 in consultation with other ,federal officials1 use amounts in the ,fund to provide competitive financial assistance1 including multiyear grants1 for ,southwest desert fish conservation projects4 7#b7 ,use of existing authorities ,assistance provided under this section shall be carried out in a manner consistent with authorities available to the ,secretary under the ,endangered ,species ,act of #aigc 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #aeca et seq474 7b7 ,project proposals 7#a7 ,eligible applicants ,a project proposal for ,southwest desert fish conservation may be submitted to the ,secretary under this section by a ,state or ,tribal agency1 research institution1 nonprofit organization1 or any other individual or entity1 as determined appropriate by the ,secretary1 with the expertise required to carry out ,southwest desert fish conservation4 7#b7 ,federal partnership opportunities ,a ,federal agency may not be a lead entity or receive funding for a project under this section1 but may be included as a partner or collaborator on a project that receives such funding4 7#c7 ,required elements ,a project proposal submitted under this section shall include-- 7,a7 a statement of the purposes of the project2 7,b7 the name of the individual or entity with overall responsibility for the project2 7,c7 a description of-- 7i7 the qualifications of the individual or entity that will conduct the project2 7ii7 methods for project implementation and outcome assessment2 7iii7 staffing and stakeholder engagement for the project1 including mechanisms to ensure adequate local public participation in project development and implementation2 7iv7 the logistics of the project1 including cost estimates and timelines2 7v7 anticipated outcomes of the project2 and 7vi7 how the project will promote sustainable1 effective1 long-term programs to conserve desert fish in the ,southwest2 7,d7 assurances that the project will be implemented in consultation with relevant wildlife management authorities1 ,tribes1 and other appropriate government officials2 7,e7 demonstrated sensitivity to local historic and cultural resources and compliance with applicable laws2 7,f7 information that demonstrates the potential of the project to contribute to ,southwest desert fish conservation2 7,g7 information regarding the source and amount of any matching funding available for the project2 and 7,h7 such other information as the ,secretary determines appropriate4 7c7 ,project review and approval 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary shall-- 7,a7 solicit project proposals for assistance under this section2 7,b7 provide a copy of each project proposal submitted in response to such solicitation to other ,federal officials1 as appropriate2 and 7,c7 review each such proposal on a timeline that recognizes the urgency of the declining number of desert fish in the ,southwest to determine whether the proposal meets the criteria specified in subsection 7d74 7#b7 ,consultation2 approval or disapproval ,the ,secretary shall1 after consulting with other ,federal officials1 as appropriate1 with respect to each project proposal submitted under this section-- 7,a7 consult with respect to the proposal with the government of each ,state in which the project is to be conducted2 7,b7 after taking into consideration any comments resulting from such consultation1 approve or disapprove the project proposal2 and 7,c7 provide written notification of the approval or disapproval to the individual or entity that submitted the proposal1 such other ,federal officials1 and each ,state described in subparagraph 7,a74 7d7 ,criteria for approval 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary may approve a project proposal under this section if the project shows promise for contributing to recovering and sustaining desert fish populations in the wild in the ,southwest4 7#b7 ,priority ,in selecting projects for approval1 the ,secretary shall give priority to projects that conserve threatened and endangered species of desert fish listed under the ,endangered ,species ,act of #aigc 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #aeca et seq474 7#c7 ,project sustainability ,to the maximum extent practicable1 in determining whether to approve a project proposal under this section1 the ,secretary shall give preference to projects that are designed to ensure effective and long-term ,southwest desert fish conservation4 7#d7 ,matching funds ,in determining whether to approve a project proposal under this section1 the ,secretary shall give preference to projects for which matching funds are available4 7#e7 ,waiver ,the ,secretary may waive the application of paragraph 7#b71 7#c71 or 7#d7 with respect to a project if the ,secretary-- 7,a7 has identified the project as of high priority2 and 7,b7 finds that such waiver is necessary to support the project4 7e7 ,project reporting 7#a7 ,in general ,each individual or entity that receives assistance under this section for a project shall submit to the ,secretary periodic reports 7at such intervals as the ,secretary determines appropriate7 that include all information that the ,secretary1 after consultation with other government officials1 determines is necessary to evaluate the progress and success of such project for the purposes of ensuring positive results1 assessing problems1 and fostering improvements4 7#b7 ,availability to the public ,the ,secretary shall make available to the public each report submitted under paragraph 7#a7 and any other document relating to a project for which financial assistance is provided under this title4 #dje4 ,southwest ,desert ,fish ,conservation ,fund 7a7 ,establishment ,there is established in the ,treasury a separate account1 to be known as the ,southwest ,desert ,fish ,conservation ,fund1 consisting of-- 7#a7 amounts transferred to the ,secretary for deposit into the ,fund under subsection 7e72 7#b7 amounts appropriated to the ,fund under section #djf2 and 7#c7 any interest earned on investment of amounts in the ,fund under subsection 7c74 7b7 ,expenditures from fund 7#a7 ,in general ,subject to paragraph 7#b71 at the request of the ,secretary1 the ,secretary of the ,treasury shall transfer from the ,fund to the ,secretary1 without further appropriation1 such amounts as the ,secretary determines are necessary to carry out section #djd4 7#b7 ,administrative expenses ,of the amounts in the ,fund available for each fiscal year1 the ,secretary may expend the greater of #c percent of such amounts or #hj1jjj to pay the administrative expenses necessary to carry out this title4 7c7 ,investment of amounts 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary of the ,treasury shall invest such portion of the ,fund as is not1 in the judgment of the ,secretary of the ,treasury1 required to meet current withdrawals4 ,such investments may be made only in interest-bearing obligations of the ,united ,states4 7#b7 ,acquisition of obligations ,for the purpose of investments under paragraph 7#a71 obligations may be acquired-- 7,a7 on original issue at the issue price2 or 7,b7 by purchase of outstanding obligations at market price4 7#c7 ,sale of obligations ,any obligation acquired by the ,fund may be sold by the ,secretary of the ,treasury at market price4 7#d7 ,credits to fund ,the interest on1 and the proceeds from the sale or redemption of1 any obligations held in the ,fund shall be credited to and form a part of the ,fund4 7d7 ,transfers of amounts 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary of the ,treasury shall transfer at least monthly the amounts required to be transferred to the ,fund under this section from the general fund of the ,treasury to the ,fund on the basis of estimates made by the ,secretary of the ,treasury4 7#b7 ,adjustments ,the ,secretary of the ,treasury shall make proper adjustment in amounts subsequently transferred to the extent prior estimates were in excess of or less than the amounts required to be transferred4 7e7 ,acceptance and use of donations 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary may accept for the ,government a gift of any of the following to provide assistance under section #djd3 7,a7 ,money4 7,b7 ,an obligation of the ,government included in the public debt made only on the condition that the obligation be canceled and retired and not reissued4 7,c7 ,other intangible personal property made only on the condition that the property is sold on the best terms available and the proceeds are deposited in the ,fund4 7#b7 ,discretion to reject a gift ,the ,secretary may reject a gift under this section when the rejection is in the interest of the ,government4 7#c7 ,taxes ,if a gift received under this subsection is subject to a gift or inheritance tax1 the ,secretary may pay the tax out of the proceeds of the gift or the proceeds of the redemption or sale of the gift4 #djf4 ,authorization of appropriations ,there are authorized to be appropriated to the ,secretary #e1jjj1jjj for each of fiscal years #bjbg through #bjcb to carry out this title4 #djg4 ,report to ,congress 7a7 ,in general ,not later than ,january #ca of each calendar year after the date of the enactment of this title1 the ,secretary shall submit to ,congress a report regarding the ,fund and the status of desert fish in the ,southwest during the preceding calendar year4 7b7 ,contents of reports ,each such report shall include with respect to the calendar year for which the report is submitted-- 7#a7 the total amount deposited into and expended from the ,fund2 7#b7 the costs associated with carrying out this title2 7#c7 a summary of the projects for which the ,secretary has provided assistance under section #djd and an evaluation of those projects2 and 7#d7 an evaluation of the status of threatened and endangered populations of desert fish in the ,southwest4