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• <br />NEPA and ESA processes, whichever comes earlier, or until terminated by the <br />Governance Committee after notification of the Secretary of the Interior and the <br />Governors as described in Paragraph IX.C.6. If required to complete NEPA or ESA <br />review, the Cooperative Agreement may be extended for six months and the <br />Governance Committee may include further activities in the Milestones which are <br />exempt from or do not require further NEPA or ESA review. FWS will take <br />appropriate action regarding ESA compliance for the activities described in Paragraph <br />VIII in the event of such extension. <br />C. Contributions of the Signatories. DOI and the States of Nebraska, Colorado, <br />and Wyoming will make certain cash and cash - equivalent contributions during the term <br />of the Cooperative Agreement for purposes of undertaking the activities provided for by <br />this Cooperative Agreement, as set forth in Attachment I, "Milestones for the <br />Cooperative Agreement," and subject to the authorities and limitations described in <br />Paragraphs X.D, E, F, G and H. <br />D. Authorities and Responsibilities <br />1. Federal Cooperation with States. Section 2(c)(2) of the ESA, 16 U.S.C. <br />§ 1531(c)(2), states that "the policy of Congress is that federal agencies shall • <br />cooperate with state and local agencies to resolve water resource issues in <br />concert with conservation of endangered species." Under Section 6 of the ESA, <br />the Secretary of the Interior is directed to cooperate to the maximum extent <br />practicable with the states in carrying out the program authorized by the ESA <br />and to consult with the affected states before acquiring any land and water, or <br />interest therein, for the purpose conserving listed species. Under 31 U.S.C. <br />§ 6305, an executive agency should enter a cooperative agreement when <br />anything of value will be transferred to a state or local government to carry out <br />a public purpose authorized by federal statute. <br />2. Recovery Plans and Teams. Under section 4(f) of the ESA, 16 U.S.C. <br />§ 1533(f), the Secretary of the Interior is directed to develop and implement <br />plans for the conservation of endangered species. The Secretary of the Interior <br />may procure the services of public and private agencies and institutions in <br />developing and implementing such recovery plans. Advice from such agencies - and institutions is not subject to the Federal Advisory Committee Act, 5 U.S.C. <br />app.2. <br />3. Consultation and Regulatory Certainty. Under section 7 of the ESA, 16 <br />U.S.C. § 1536, federal agencies shall utilize their programs and authorities in <br />furtherance of the purposes of the ESA and ensure that their actions are not • <br />12 <br />