Synopsis: The Division of Environmental Protection's mission is to preserve and enhance the environment of the state to protect public health, sustain healthy ecosystems, and contribute to a vibrant economy. The Division implements state and federal environmental laws related to outdoor air, land, and water; provides financial and technical assistance related to drinking water and wastewater systems; oversees clean-up of contaminated soil and water; administers the State Petroleum Fund; and provides public education programs. This budget account supports the Bureau of Administrative Services, which provides administrative services to the Division and includes the Administrator, Deputy Administrators, and Administrative Assistants; the Offices of Fiscal Management, Information Management, and Human Resources; contract and grants management; and publications and editing services. These positions provide centralized management, accounting, information technology, and other administrative support services for the Division. Statutory Authority: NRS 232.136, 278.335, 278.377, 444.440-.645, 444A.010-.110, 445A.060-.955, 445B.100-.640, 459.380-.856, 519A.010-.280, and 618.775.

Synopsis: The Bureau of Industrial Site Cleanup (BISC) is responsible for regulatory oversight of assessment and corrective action at contaminated sites. The budget funds regulatory oversight of investigation and cleanup of hazardous substance releases from six major industrial sites near Henderson. In addition, BISC oversees the Nevada Environmental Response Trust as well as the evaluation and cleanup of perchlorate and other hazardous substances released from the Nevada Environmental Response Trust, former Kerr-McGee/Tronox site in southern Nevada. Statutory Authority: NRS 445A.425, 459.425, and 459.537.

Synopsis: The mission of the Bureau of Air Pollution Control and Air Quality Planning is to achieve, and maintain levels of air quality, which will protect human health and safety; prevent injury to plant and animal life; prevent damage to property; preserve visibility and scenic, aesthetic and historic values of the state; and implement provisions at the facility level to prevent accidental chemical releases in the state. To accomplish this mission, staff assigned to these bureaus plan, direct, coordinate, and control air quality monitoring, permitting, and compliance assurance. This budget account is mainly funded by federal grants and fees. Statutory Authority: NRS 445B.100-.845, and 459.380-.3874.

Synopsis: The Bureau of Water Pollution Control ensures compliance with water pollution control laws by issuing permits for discharges to surface and ground water; by inspecting facilities to ensure compliance and enforcement actions are taken when necessary; and reviewing the design of wastewater treatment plants and infrastructure to ensure subdivisions have adequate systems/infrastructures in place to treat wastewater. This budget account is funded by fees and federal grants. Statutory Authority: NRS 445A.300-.730, portions of NRS 278.330-.460.

Synopsis: This budget account includes the Bureau of Sustainable Materials Management, the Bureau of Corrective Actions, and the Bureau of Federal Facilities. The Bureau of Sustainable Materials Management is responsible for promoting/enhancing sustainable material management programs, and ensuring safe management, collection, and disposal of hazardous/solid waste through regulation of handling, transportation, treatment, storage, and disposal. The bureau also encourages businesses, institutions, and individuals to reduce the amount of waste generated, participate in recycling programs, and conserve natural resources. This budget account is funded by federal grants and fees. Statutory Authority: NRS 444.440 - 444.645; 444A.010 - 444A.120; 445A.300 - 445A.730; 445C.010 - 445C.120; and 459.400 - 459.600. The Bureau of Corrective Actions is responsible for regulating the analysis and remediation of contaminated sites; the certification of environmental consultants; the regulation of underground storage tank compliance; regulating analysis and remediation of leaking underground storage tanks; and administration of the fund for cleaning up discharges of petroleum. Statutory Authority NRS: 445A.425; 445C.150 - 445C.410; 459.485; 459.500; 459.826; 459.830; 459.832, and 459.834. The Bureau of Federal Facilities provides programmatic and regulatory oversight of the U.S. Department of Energy's operational activities, environmental restoration, and waste management programs at the Nevada National Security Site, Tonopah Test Range, Central Nevada Test Area, and Project Shoal Area in Nevada to ensure compliance with environmental regulations. Statutory Authority: NRS 444.440 - 444.645; 445A.060 - 445A.955; 445C.010 - 445C.410; 459.400 - 459.600; and 459.800 - 459.856.

Synopsis: It is the mission of the Bureau of Mining Regulation and Reclamation (BMRR) to ensure Nevada's surface and groundwaters are not degraded by mining operations, and lands disturbed by mining operations are reclaimed to safe and stable conditions to ensure a productive post-mining land use. Facilities utilizing chemicals for processing ores are generally required to meet a zero-discharge performance standard. BMRR works collaboratively with the mining industry and the public to achieve its mission. This budget account is fully funded by permitting fees and is comprised of three technical units: Regulation, Closure and Reclamation. These units perform a variety of plan reviews, permitting, inspection, compliance monitoring, and enforcement activities to ensure the design, construction, operation, closure, and reclamation of mining and exploration operations. Operators must file a financial assurance/guarantee with the division or federal land manager to ensure that reclamation of the mine site will be completed should an operator default on a project. The Regulation and Closure branches regulate mining in Nevada under the authority of NRS 445A.300-445A.730 and NAC 445A.350-447. The reclamation branch regulates mining in Nevada under the authority of NRS 519A.010-.280 and NAC 519A.010-415.

Synopsis: This budget account provides staff and administrative support for the State Revolving Loan program, which provides low-cost financing for wastewater, storm water, and drinking water infrastructure improvements that are needed to achieve compliance with applicable environmental standards. This budget account is funded by federal grants, Treasurer's interest income and loan fees. Statutory Authority: NRS 445A.060-.160 and 445A.200-.295.

Synopsis: The Bureau of Water Quality Planning is responsible for implementing programs to meet requirements of the Clean Water Act and Nevada water quality statutes and regulations that protect and/or improve the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the waters of Nevada. Bureau staff conduct water quality testing; bio-assessment and physical habitat monitoring; develop and/or revise water quality standards for adoption by the State Environmental Commission; develop the impaired waters list; develop total maximum daily loads and/or watershed implementation plans to address water quality impairments; issue certifications to ensure that proposed discharges meet applicable effluent limitations and water quality standards; assist in the development and review of area-wide waste management plans; mitigate the adverse effects from nonpoint source pollution through implementation of water quality improvement and public education projects; promote intra-and inter-agency program coordination; and rating programs to meet requirements of the Clean Water Act and Nevada water quality statutes and regulations that protect and/or improve the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the waters of Nevada. Bureau staff develop and/or revise water quality standards for adoption by the State Environmental Commission; conduct water quality testing and biological and physical habitat monitoring; use water quality data to assess surface waterbody health and identify and prioritize impaired waters; develop total maximum daily loads and/or watershed implementation plans to address water quality impairments; coordinate with and provide grant funding to partners to mitigate the adverse effects from nonpoint source pollution to improve and protect water quality; and issue 401 water quality certifications to ensure that proposed discharges to waters of the US will not violate water quality standards. This budget account is funded by federal grants. Fees collected through the Bureau of Water Pollution Control National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit programs are used as the state match to the Federal Clean Water Act, Section 106 grant. Statutory Authority: NRS 445A.300-.730.

Synopsis: The Bureau of Safe Drinking Water implements the Public Water System Supervision Program (PWSSP) and the Laboratory Certification Program (LCP). The PWSSP is authorized under the federal Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) and maintains primacy for the State of Nevada. State implementation of the PWSSP ensures Nevada's public water systems comply with state and federal drinking water standards by enforcing the sampling, monitoring, and National Primary Drinking Water standards, including requirements for water quality, surface water treatment, and corrosion control. The program assesses water sources (including identification of potential contaminant sources); assists communities and water systems in developing and implementing source water protection strategies; conducts sanitary surveys; certifies the qualifications of public water system operators; and requires public notification when systems are out of compliance. The bureau also reviews engineering plans for public water systems and the subdivision of land. Additionally, PWSSP provides training, information transfer, and regulatory update presentations at meetings of water industry associations. This program is funded by federal grants and fees. The LCP assesses laboratories and produces information used in regulatory decision-making by division programs in Safe Drinking Water, Water Pollution Control, Mining Regulation and Reclamation, Waste Management, and Corrective Actions. Pursuant to NRS 445A.428, 445A.863, and NRS 459.501, laboratories that perform analyses to meet requirements of the SDWA, Clean Water Act, and Resource, Conservation and Recovery Act, must be certified by the State of Nevada. Labs analyzing mining methods to meet Mining Regulations must be certified or state approved by the State of Nevada. The LCP program ensures that analyses are conducted according to Environmental Protection Agency and state approved methods with accurate and reproducible results. This program is funded by fees. Statutory Authority: NRS 445A.800-.955, 445A.300-.730, and 459.400-.600.

Synopsis: The Nevada Division of Natural Heritage provides expertise in the areas of zoology, botany, and community ecology, including the study of wetland ecosystems; and maintains data systems related to the location, biology, and conservation status of plant and animal species and ecosystems per NRS 232.1369. Data curation for rare and at-risk plant and animal (including invertebrates) species includes data collection, data input, and quality control. Data is provided on request to other state agencies, federal agencies, non-governmental organizations, consultants, and the public to inform conservation planning and land-use planning decisions, facilitate federally mandated environmental review, minimize future resource conflicts, protect biodiversity, and help prevent species from becoming threatened or endangered. The division maintains botanical expertise per NAC 527.200 and serves as a scientific advisor to the State Forester/Firewarden for topics related to native flora. The division also manages the Nevada Wetland Program with the goals of stakeholder and interagency collaboration, understanding the extent, quality and stressors of the state's wetland resources, and protecting and restoring wetland ecosystems.

Synopsis: The Nevada State Environmental Commission (SEC) serves as the primary rulemaking, variance, and appeal body for environmental regulations in Nevada. The Commission is an 11-member body that meets to establish regulations and resolve appeal actions for the Division of Environmental Protection. Expenses of the SEC are supported by fees. The SEC was originally established in the Air Pollution Control statutes (NRS 445B.200). Other statutes establish the jurisdiction of the SEC to adopt environmental regulations, set fees, and hear appeals. Statutory Authority: NRS 444.560, 444A.020, 445A.270, 445A, 445A.425, 445B.200-.225, 459.3818, 459.485, 459.656, 459.826, and 519A.160,850.

Synopsis: The Director's Office provides administrative, technical, budgetary, policy, and supervisory support to the Divisions of Environmental Protection, Forestry, Water Resources, State Parks, State Lands, Historic Preservation, Outdoor Recreation, and Natural Heritage. The office also includes the State Conservation Districts, Sagebrush Ecosystem, and Off-Highway Vehicles programs, as well as boards, commissions, and councils. Statutory Authority: NRS 232.010 through 232.070.

Synopsis: The Conservation Districts Program, and the State Conservation Commission, regulate the activities of Nevada's 28 locally-elected conservation districts. Conservation districts work for the proper development and conservation of the state's renewable natural resources by using available technical, financial and educational resources, and coordinating these resources so they meet the needs of landowners and the general public. The program works in cooperation with local jurisdictions, federal agencies, other state agencies, non-profit organizations and the public for conservation of soil, water, and other natural resources. Statutory Authority: NRS 548 and 232.090.

Synopsis: This budget account provides administrative support for the Capital Improvement Grants Program, which awards grants for capital improvement projects to small public water systems for qualifying water conservation projects and to defray costs associated with connecting individual septic systems to community sewer systems. This budget account is funded by grant application fees and bond proceeds. Statutory Authority: NRS 349.982.

Synopsis: The 2013 Legislature approved Assembly Bill 461 on June 11, 2013 and established the account to restore the sagebrush ecosystem per NRS 232.161. The account is administered in a manner consistent with policies and priorities established by the Sagebrush Ecosystem Council created by NRS 232.162. The director may apply for and accept any gift, donation, bequest, grant, or other source of money and any money so received must be deposited in the account. The interest and income earned on the money in the account, after deducting any applicable charges, must be credited to the account. Money that remains in the account at the end of a fiscal year does not revert to General Fund appropriations and the balance in the account must be carried forward to the next fiscal year. The money in the account may only be used to establish and carry out programs to preserve, restore, and enhance sagebrush ecosystems pursuant to NRS 321.592 and 321.594.

Synopsis: This budget account is specific to costs associated with the Nevada Water Conservation and Infrastructure Initiative (NWCII). The centerpiece of the NWCII is a $100 million grant proposal funded through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). This program supports investments to reduce water demand by residential, commercial, and agricultural sectors, while supporting investments to repair and replace aging, leaking infrastructure and simultaneously investing in our workforce. The initiative will deploy $100 million in ARPA dollars towards water infrastructure and conservation efforts using a formula-based selection process and administered through the Nevada Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

Synopsis: This budget account is established as an environmental quality improvement account (EQIA) with funds collected through the Supplemental Environmental Projects (SEP) program as defined by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) as, "environmentally beneficial projects which a defendant/respondent agrees to undertake in a settlement of an enforcement action, but which the defendant/respondent is not otherwise legally required to perform." The Division of Environmental Protection's approach to SEPs is modeled after US EPA's program. Funds related to the SEP program and other enforcement actions that result in penalties with specific uses of the funds outlined in the enforcement action for use through the EQIA will be held in this account and transferred to another Department of Conservation and Natural Resources budget account for expenditure upon identification of an appropriate related project.

Synopsis: The Division of State Parks' mission is to develop and manage Nevada's diverse system of parks and recreation areas while protecting scenic, historic and scientific resources and providing access to outdoor recreation opportunities in support of a vibrant economy and a healthy populace. Major programs include operations, planning, development, grant administration, safety, resource protection and management, maintenance, administration, law enforcement, and interpretation of cultural and natural resources. The division headquarters are located in Carson City, with regional offices in Fallon, Panaca, Tahoe, and Las Vegas. The division is comprised of 27 park units located throughout the state, which includes 152 permanent and 132 seasonal staff. The Division administers the Federal Land and Water Conservation Fund and Recreational Trails Programs, which provide grants to urban and rural communities for the development of trails and parks and for the acquisition of land and water for outdoor recreation opportunities. The division operates under the philosophy of doing the right thing for the visitor and the resource. Statutory Authority: NRS 407.011 through 407.200.

Synopsis: The Nevada Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (NTRPA) assures that all establishments housing gaming in the Lake Tahoe Basin are compliant with the provisions of the Tahoe Compact. As such, the NTRPA reviews all proposals to modify or remodel structures housing gaming in the Tahoe Basin to ensure compliance. Federal and state law requires that the NTRPA Board meet at least once annually to select the at-large member of the board. Statutory Authority: NRS 227.190 through 227.220

Synopsis: The mission of the Nevada Division of Water Resources (NDWR) is to responsibly manage Nevada's limited water resources in accordance with state law and best available science. NDWR is responsible for quantifying existing rights; monitoring water use; distributing water in accordance with court decrees; reviewing water availability for new subdivisions and condominiums; reviewing the design, construction and operation of dams; appropriating geothermal water; licensing and regulating well drillers and water right surveyors; collecting and monitoring water resource data and records; updating Nevada's water plan; coordinating drought responses; administering Nevada's flood program; and providing technical assistance to the public and governmental agencies. Statutory Authority: NRS 532, 533, 534, 535, 536, 538, 540, and 543.

Synopsis: The Division of State Lands holds title to or an interest in over 335,000 acres of state-owned land. The agency acquires land and land interests for state agencies to carry out their missions. State Lands ensures the state is compensated for any use, occupancy or disposal of state-owned lands, and maintains state land records. The agency is home to the State Land Use Planning Agency, which provides land-use planning services, administers the Nevada State Clearinghouse (a central location for coordinating state comments on federal land activities), and serves as staff to the State Land Use Planning Advisory Council. The agency houses the Nevada Tahoe Resource Team who coordinates various state conservation and environmental protection programs at Lake Tahoe. Finally, State Lands is a participating agency with the Sagebrush Ecosystem Program and has a representative on the Sagebrush Ecosystem Technical Team.

Synopsis: Assembly Bill 486 of the 2019 Legislature was an act relating to outdoor recreation; creating the Division of Outdoor Recreation within the State Department of Conservation and Natural Resources; providing for the appointment and duties of the Administrator of the Division; creating the Advisory Board on Outdoor Recreation to advise the Administrator of the Division on any matter concerning outdoor recreation in this state; making an appropriation; and providing other matters properly relating thereto.

Synopsis: The core mission of the Nevada Division of Forestry (NDF) is to protect, conserve, and enhance the state's natural resources, and provide protection from wildfire. To accomplish this mission, NDF manages and coordinates all forestry, nursery, endangered plant species, and watershed resource activities on qualified public, state, and private lands. NDF also cooperates with other state agencies to coordinate and respond to natural disasters such as floods and earthquakes. Statutory Authority: NRS 40, 193, 205, 206, 232, 472, 474, 475, 476, 527 and 528.

Synopsis: The State Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Forest Fire Suppression account funds protection of life, property, and natural resources from fire, flood, and other natural or human caused emergencies. The program is funded with a combination of General Fund appropriations, and reimbursements paid to the Nevada Division of Forestry for firefighting efforts made on behalf of others, and Federal Emergency Management Agency - Fire Management Assistance grants and sub-grants. The agency has access to the Interim Finance Committee Contingency Fund, the Reserve for Statutory Contingency Account and the Disaster Relief Account when the volume or severity of fire incidents result in insufficient funds to meet state obligations. Statutory Authority: NRS 472.

Synopsis: The State Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Division of Forestry Conservation Camp Program coordinates, directs, and supervises the work performed by agency-staffed fire and fuels crews including Department of Corrections inmates based at Forestry Conservation Camps located throughout the State of Nevada. The Conservation Camp Program provides the work force for labor-intensive forestry and conservation work projects, wildfire management and other emergency activities. The Program consists of 200-300 inmate crew members, 12 resource-only crew supervisors, 26 fire and resource crew supervisors, and 56 staff firefighter crew members that use approximately 161 pieces of equipment and vehicles based at eight facilities statewide. Inmate supported operations exist in: Carson City (Stewart/Eastern Sierra), Carlin, Ely Industrial Shop, Pioche, Three Lakes (Las Vegas), and Jean. Each of these facilities field both fire and conservation project crews. Facilities in Carlin, Washoe Valley (Bowers), Ely, and Winnemucca (Humboldt) support fire and fuels crews consisting of staff firefighters who also perform conservation and wildfire mitigation when not responding to wildfires. Tonopah supports a conservation project team of agency staff, and all Forestry operations have ceased at the Wells and Ely Camp facilities. In addition to fielding conservation project and fire crews, some camps support nursery operations and/or mobile kitchen units on large fire incidents.

Synopsis: The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) was jointly created by Nevada, California, and the United States Congress. The TRPA leads the cooperative effort to preserve, restore, and enhance the unique natural and human environment of the Lake Tahoe region. TRPA's vision is to have a lake environment that is sustainable, healthy, and safe for the community and future generations. Under the Tahoe Regional Planning Compact, requests for state funds by the TRPA must be apportioned two-thirds from California and one-third from Nevada. As a planning agency, TRPA has the power to exercise effective environmental controls and perform other essential functions over the water, land, air, wildlife and development of the Lake Tahoe region. Starting in 1997, with the Nevada and California Governors' Memorandum of Understanding and the Presidential forum, TRPA has led the cooperative efforts of funding the Environmental Improvement Program. Statutory Authority: NRS 277.190 through 277.220.

Synopsis: The State Historic Preservation Office's mandate is to encourage preservation, documentation, and use of cultural resources through state and federal programs. Office programs support preservation of buildings and archaeological sites through grant distribution and management, project reviews for federal tax credits, the National and State Registers of Historic Places, review of federal undertakings in the state, and planning of preservation projects and public education. The office also manages almost 300 historical markers to interpret sites throughout the state, which benefit both local and out-of-state travelers. Through these activities, the State Historic Preservation Office encourages tourism, economic growth, and education. Statutory Authority: NRS 383.

Synopsis: The State Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Division of Forestry Nursery Program, under the oversight of the Natural Resource Program, was established in 1957 to provide technical assistance and conservation plant materials such as tree seedlings, shrubs, forbs, and seeds to meet the conservation needs of Nevada's private landowners and public land management agencies. The Nursery Program is comprised of two facilities, one in Washoe Valley, and one in the Las Vegas Valley. The Seedbank was established in 1995 to provide seed, equipment, and other materials to rehabilitate wildland fire, and fire suppression related damages. The Seedbank facility is co-located with the nursery in Washoe Valley. The Forest Products Utilization Program was established in 2012 to focus on adding value to cut wood that occurs from the agency's normal fuel reduction and forest health enhancement projects. The value-added products, typically wood chips, fuel wood, and saw logs are sold from the nursery/seedbank facility in Washoe Valley. All these enterprise programs receive operating funds based on the sale of conservation plant materials and forest products. Statutory Authority: NRS 472, 527, and 528.

Synopsis: The Nevada Commission on Off-Highway Vehicles (OHV) was established on July 1, 2011, to promote the responsible use of recreational OHV, pursuant to NRS 490. The Commission has granting authority for OHV registration fee proceeds with grants awarded in accordance with approved regulations. Grants are provided for law enforcement, education/public awareness, and OHV trail management and development. OHV was placed within the Nevada Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) in May 2016. This was done in part through an Interim Finance Committee action that created an initial Executive Budget for the OHV Commission within DCNR fiscal structure as agency 703.

Synopsis: The Director's Office is responsible for policy development and implementation; ensuring compliance with state and federal laws; fulfilling public record requests; acting as legislative liaison; providing fiscal business management, engineering and facility services, and human resource support; providing support to the Nevada Board of Wildlife Commissioners, County Advisory Boards and Wildlife Division administrators; and providing scientific input and coordination on intergovernmental levels. The powers and duties of the department are established under NRS chapter 501.

Synopsis: The Data and Technology Services Division is responsible for the business affairs of the department which include the management of the customer service programs comprised of licensing, boat titling and registrations, hunt applications and draws; special licenses and permits; license agent activities; information technology services and geographic information systems. The powers and duties of the department are established under NRS chapter 501.

Synopsis: The Conservation Education Division oversees public affairs and outreach, hunter/angler education, recruitment and retention of hunters and anglers, wildlife education, the volunteer program, publications, and website administration. The powers and duties of the department are established under NRS chapter 501.

Synopsis: The Law Enforcement Division's mission is to: oversee wildlife protection, education, and enforcement; boating safety enforcement and education; boat accident, stolen vessel, and operating under the influence investigations; provide public safety to the citizens and visitors of Nevada; conduct land and water search and rescue operations; implement the Operation Game Thief Program; investigate major wildlife crimes; provide law enforcement dispatch services and radio communications for the department; mediate human-wildlife conflicts; administer guide licensing; investigate wildlife attacks on humans; and investigate hunting-related shooting incidents. The powers and duties of the department are established under NRS chapter 501.

Synopsis: The Game Division is responsible for management, protection, research, and monitoring of wildlife classified as game mammals, upland and migratory game birds, and furbearing mammals. The division oversees: avian and terrestrial game species management; air operations; landowner programs for game species incentive tags, depredation control, and compensation; predator management; and wildlife health and disease monitoring. The powers and duties of the department are established under NRS chapter 501.

Synopsis: The mission of the Fisheries Division is to manage, protect, and enhance all of Nevada's fisheries resources for the greater good of all Nevadans. This includes the conservation of native aquatic species; promotion of fishing in Nevada through a system of strategically located hatcheries; and by managing Nevada's waters to their highest end use for anglers. The Fisheries Division strives to provide anglers with information essential to the sport, prevent the introduction of additional aquatic invasive species to Nevada, and minimize detrimental impacts to established fisheries and aquatic habitats. The powers and duties of the department are established under NRS chapter 501.

Synopsis: The Wildlife Biodiversity Division is dedicated to the protection, preservation, management, and restoration of Nevada's diverse wildlife heritage. Through sound science, data management, and synergistic partnerships, the division will maintain healthy wildlife populations and habitats, thereby fulfilling Nevada's responsibility to maintain local, regional, and global species diversity. Through the division's efforts, the scientific, educational, recreational, and economic values of Nevada's wildlife will be enhanced and preserved for future generations. The division is responsible for sensitive species management and surveying; Endangered Species Act consultation and recovery work; implementation of the Nevada Wildlife Action Plan; habitat restoration; and the Department of Wildlife's portion of the Lake Tahoe Environmental Improvement Program. The powers and duties of the department are established under NRS chapter 501.

Synopsis: The Habitat Division provides technical review consultation and reviews land use plans; oversees the state's Wildlife Management Areas; natural and artificial water developments; habitat rehabilitation and restoration; acquisitions and conservation easements; the mining assessment and reclamation program; and Special Reserve Account and bond funded habitat enhancement projects. The powers and duties of the department are established under NRS chapter 501.

Synopsis: The Colorado River Commission is empowered to acquire, manage and protect all of Nevada's federal allocation of water and hydropower resources from the Colorado River for the residents of Nevada. In addition, it provides electric power resources to certain customers from any available source for needs over and above the state's hydropower allocations. These resources are primarily centered in and benefit, southern Nevada. The Colorado River Commission Fund acts as the General Fund appropriations for all commission activities. All personnel costs for commission staff and all of the basic activities and functions performed in fulfilling the commission's legislative mandate are recorded in this account. The commission is entirely funded by its customers and receives no state or federal funds in carrying out its activities. The Colorado River Basin states are in constant contact regarding the issues of the lower basin; the bulk of commission travel occurs in California and Arizona. In addition, the commission has extensive involvement with a number of agencies of the federal government, including the Department of Interior, Department of Energy, Bureau of Reclamation, Western Area Power Administration, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Environmental Protection Agency, Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service and others. Statutory Authority: NRS 538.

Synopsis: 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

Synopsis: The Power Delivery Project (PDP) budget accounts for all of the costs associated with the Colorado River Commission's high voltage transmission, transformer and distribution system designed and tied into the Southern Nevada Water Authority's (SNWA) water delivery system. The system provides a power transmission system from the Lake Mead substation at Hoover Dam to the SNWA water treatment facility. This fund accounts for power market related power purchases for any commission customer as requested and needed for load requirements. The funding for all activities related to this budget account are provided by the SNWA and other customers under funding contracts. The contracts related to the operation of the PDP require detailed line-item budget projections at the beginning of each year which must be approved by the SNWA. In addition, this fund provides for activity related to the Silver State Energy Association (SSEA) of which the commission is a member. The SSEA provides market electric power resources to its members and, through the commission, to certain customers. The commission provides most of the required personnel resources to the SSEA under contract. SSEA activity is also subject to annual budget approval by the SSEA board. Statutory Authority: NRS 538.

Synopsis: The Power Marketing fund was created to comply with the requirements of the bond resolution authorizing the financing of Nevada's share of the cost of upgrading the generating facilities at Hoover Dam. It is used to record purchases and sales of hydroelectric power, debt service related to all Hoover Powerplant Bonds and operational costs of the Basic Substation project. This fund accounts for all hydropower related activities dedicated to the Southern Nevada Water Authority system and all other hydropower customers. All transactions related to the customers of the Colorado River Commission, including the new Hoover Dam schedule "D" customers, are recorded in this account. All hydropower allocations to the State of Nevada, administered by the commission are recorded in this account. Statutory Authority: NRS 538.

Synopsis: In 2023, AB 112 was passed creating the Wildlife Crossings Account in the State General Fund requiring the Director of the Department of Transportation to administer the account and to develop and publish an inventory and list of certain projects relating to wildlife crossings.

Synopsis: The Nevada Department of Transportation is governed by Article 9, Section 5, of the Nevada Constitution: "The proceeds from the imposition of any license or registration fee and other charge with respect to the operation of any motor vehicle upon any public highway in this state and the proceeds from the imposition of any excise tax on gasoline or other motor vehicle fuel shall, except costs of administration, be used exclusively for the construction, maintenance, and repair of the public highways of this state."

Synopsis: Authority is requested for budget account 4663 to accept and expend bond proceeds to fund the construction of regionally significant projects across Nevada. Bond principal payments are planned to be reimbursed with federal funds at 95% and 5% state match. Statutory Authority: NRS 408.273 Transportation Board and Board of Finance approval is required to complete the bond sales. The issuance of bonds will allow the Department of Transportation to accelerate the delivery of vital projects.

Synopsis: The Comstock Historic District Commission's mandate is to encourage preservation of the Comstock Historic District, one of the nation's largest and most significant historic landmarks. It is also one of the most visited historic sites in the state, second to Hoover Dam. The commission issues construction permits, educates the public and promotes special programs. The commission considers requests for Certificates of Appropriateness, which property owners are required by statute to obtain before initiating exterior changes to existing structures or constructing new ones. The commission gives guidance to federal agencies working within the district and provides public education focused on historic resources. Statutory Authority: NRS 384.