The Research and Development Fund provides engineering studies, analyses, negotiations and other efforts in protecting the interests of the state in the development of any of the resources under the control of the Colorado River Commission. The fund is currently utilized as a pass-through account for the Lower Colorado River Multi-Species Conservation Program costs. The program is a 50-year program to address the biological needs of mammals, birds, fish amphibians, reptiles, invertebrates, and plants to comply with the Endangered Species Act. Funding is provided to the commission by its water and power contractors in accordance with the multi-species funding contracts. The Federal Bureau of Reclamation is the implementing agency for the program and the commission staff participate on the steering committee that provide oversight and input to reclamation regarding the implementation of the program. The program assures continuation of the Colorado River operations, including Nevada's diversions of Colorado River water from Lake Mead and continued generation of power at the federal hydropower generating facilities while complying with the Endangered Species Act. Statutory Authority: NRS 538.191