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0021:15 . . Colorado River Endafillered Fish Species The Lower Colorado River Multi-Species Conservation Program (LCR MSCP) Steering Committee met on February 27th, in Las Vegas, Nevada and approved two new committee members: The Nature Conservancy (INe) and the Southwest Center for Biological Diversity (SWCBD). Included in the Board folder are copies of the two letters requesting membership on the Steering Committee. Also included in the Board folder is a copy of the letter that I sent to Ms. Nancy Kaufman requesting that the INC and SWCBD representatives be designated as members on the Ecosystem Conservation and Recovery Implementation Team. Comments from the Solicitor's office on the Joint Participation Agreement (JPA) were received by the LCR MSCP Steering Committee on February 27, 1997. Several concerns have been raised by the Steering Committee regarding the Federal Funding language and the "consultation" langUage in the JP A. After two conference calls and a meeting on March 6th between State and Federal principals, it was agreed that; I) once federal funds are appropriated through the federal budget process they will be committed to the program, and 2) all future endangered species issues in the program area will be brought to the LCR MSCP Steering Committee first for resolution. However, to date acceptable language to all of the parties has not been obtained. The LCR MSCP Work Group will review a final draft of the JP A on March II th and all remaining issues should be resolved by March 14, 1997. If not, another meeting among the principals has been scheduled for March 19th. The draft Biological Opinion has not been issued. It is my understanding that it is in its second draft and Reclamation and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service still have some unresolved issues to contend with in the document. The Request for Proposals (RFPs) for Program Facilitator and Plan Development Contractor have generated a great deal of interest. Over 225 requests have been received from prospective bidders for either or both RFPs. Fifty people, representing approximately 40 potential bidders, attended the RFP workshop on February 25th in Las Vegas, Nevada. Bids must be returned by March 19, 1997. The Spring Tour is still scheduled for April 28-30, 1997. A draft itinerary is included in the Board folder, Lower Colorado Water Suoply Proiect Last month I reported that the City of Needles had been approached by River Associates, to purchase 10 acre-feet per year of surplus water from the City of Needles until the time River Associates would be able to avail itself of Lower Colorado Water Supply Project water. Representatives from River Associates and the City of Needles will be present at the Board meeting to discuss the details of the proposed transaction, Included in the Board folder is a copy of the information provided by the parties. 5