; (C) assistance in the development, implementation, and improvement of national and regional management plans; (D) enforcement and implementation of applicable conservation laws; and (E) community outreach and education. (2) Fund The term Fund means the Freshwater Mussel Conservation Fund established by section 305. (3) Freshwater mussels The terms freshwater mussel and freshwater mussels mean any member of the order Unioinida. (4) Secretary The term Secretary means the Secretary of the Interior. 304. Freshwater mussel conservation assistance (a) In general Subject to the availability of funds and in consultation with other Federal officials, the Secretary of Interior shall provide competitive financial assistance, including multiyear grants, for projects for the conservation of freshwater mussels in the United States for which project proposals are approved by the Secretary in accordance with this section. (b) 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 1973 ( 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.). (c) Project proposals (1) Eligible applicants A project proposal may be submitted to the Secretary under this section by— (A) a relevant State and Tribal agency, research institution, or nonprofit organization with the expertise required for the conservation of freshwater mussels in the United States; and (B) any other individual or entity, as determined appropriate by the Secretary, with the expertise required for the conservation of freshwater mussels in the United States. (2) Federal partnership opportunities A Federal agency may not be a lead entity or receive funding for a project under this section, but may be included as a partner or collaborator on a project that receives such funding. (3) Required elements A project proposal shall include— (A) a statement of the purposes of the project; (B) the name of the entity or individual with overall responsibility for the project