(a) In general
The Authority shall provide assistance to States in developing regional plans to address multistate economic issues, including plans—

(1) to develop a regional transmission system for movement of renewable energy to markets outside the region;

(2) to address regional transportation concerns, including the establishment of a Northern Great Plains Regional Transportation Working Group;

(3) to encourage and support interstate collaboration on federally-funded research that is in the national interest; and

(4) to establish a Regional Working Group on Agriculture Development and Transportation.

(b) Economic issues
The multistate economic issues referred to in subsection (a) shall include—

(1) renewable energy development and transmission;

(2) transportation planning and economic development;

(3) information technology;

(4) movement of freight and individuals within the region;

(5) federally-funded research at institutions of higher education; and

(6) conservation land management.