Title 7: 
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PART 1744�POST-LOAN POLICIES AND PROCEDURES COMMON TO GUARANTEED AND 
      INSURED TELEPHONE LOANS
      
      Section Contents
      Subpart 
      A [Reserved]
      Subpart 
      B�Lien Accommodations and Subordination 
      Policy
� 1744.20   General.
� 1744.21   Definitions.
�� 1744.22-1744.29   [Reserved]
� 1744.30   Automatic 
      lien accommodations.
� 1744.40   Act 
      purposes.
�� 1744.41-1744.49   [Reserved]
� 1744.50   Non-Act 
      purposes.
�� 1744.51-1744.54   [Reserved]
� 1744.55   Application 
      procedures.
�� 1744.56-1744.59   [Reserved]
Appendix 
      A to Subpart B of Part 1744�Statement, Certification, and Agreement of 
      Borrower's President of Board of Directors Regarding Refinancing and 
      Refunding Notes Pursuant to 7 CFR 1744.30(c)
Appendix 
      B to Subpart B of Part 1744�Certification of Independent Certified Public 
      Accountant Regarding Notes To Be Issued Pursuant to 7 CFR 
      1744.30(c)
Appendix 
      C to Subpart B of Part 1744�Statement, Certification, and Agreement of 
      Borrower's President of Board of Directors Regarding Notes To Be Issued 
      Pursuant to 7 CFR 1744.30(d)
Appendix 
      D to Subpart B of Part 1744�Certification of Independent Certified Public 
      Accountant Regarding Notes To Be Issued Pursuant to 7 CFR 
      1744.30
Appendix 
      E to Subpart B of Part 1744�Statement, Certification, and Agreement of 
      Borrower's President of Board of Directors Regarding Notes To Be Issued 
      Pursuant to 7 CFR 1744.30(e)
Appendix 
      F to Subpart B of Part 1744�Form of Supplemental 
      Mortgage
      Subpart 
      C�Advance and Disbursement of Funds
� 1744.60   General.
� 1744.61   [Reserved]
� 1744.62   Introduction.
� 1744.63   The 
      telephone loan budget.
� 1744.64   Budget 
      adjustment.
� 1744.65   The 
      construction fund.
� 1744.66   The 
      financial requirement statement (FRS).
� 1744.67   Temporary 
      excess construction funds.
� 1744.68   Order 
      and method of advances of telephone loan funds.
� 1744.69   [Reserved]
      Subpart 
      D [Reserved]
      Subpart 
      E�Borrower Investments
� 1744.200   General 
      statement.
� 1744.201   Definitions.
� 1744.202   Borrowers 
      may make qualified investments without prior approval of the 
      Administrator.
� 1744.203   Establishing 
      amount of rural development investment.
� 1744.204   Rural 
      development investments that do not meet the ratio 
      requirements.
� 1744.205   Determinations 
      and application of limitations described in �1744.202.
� 1744.206   Effect 
      of subsequent failure to maintain ratios.
� 1744.207   Investment 
      not to jeopardize loan security.
� 1744.208   Rural 
      development investments before November 28, 1990.
� 1744.209   Records.
� 1744.210   Effect 
      of this subpart on RUS loan contract and mortgage.
      
      Authority:   7 U.S.C. 901 et seq., 
      1921 et seq., and 6941 et seq. 
      Subpart A [Reserved]
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      Subpart B�Lien Accommodations and Subordination Policy
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Source:   51 FR 32430, Sept. 12, 1986, 
      unless otherwise noted. Redesignated at 55 FR 39396, Sept. 27, 
      1990.
      � 1744.20   General.
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(a) Recent changes in the telecommunications industry, including 
      deregulation and technological developments, have caused Rural Utilities 
      Service (RUS) borrowers and other organizations providing 
      telecommunications services to consider undertaking projects that provide 
      new telecommunications services and other telecommunications services not 
      ordinarily financed by RUS. Although some of these services may not be 
      eligible for financing under the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (RE 
      Act), these services may nevertheless advance RE Act objectives where the 
      borrower obtains financing from private lenders. The borrower's financial 
      strength and the assurance of repayment of outstanding Government debt may 
      be improved as a result of providing such telecommunications services.
      (b) To facilitate the financing of new services and other services not 
      ordinarily financed by RUS, RUS is willing to consider accommodating the 
      Government's lien on telecommunications borrowers' systems or 
      accommodating or subordinating the Government's lien on after-acquired 
      property of telecommunications borrowers. To expedite this process, 
      requests for lien accommodations meeting the requirements of �1744.30 will 
      receive automatic approval from RUS.
      (c) This subpart establishes RUS policy with respect to all requests 
      for lien accommodations and subordinations for loans from private lenders. 
      For borrowers that do not qualify for automatic lien accommodations in 
      accordance with �1744.30, RUS will consider lien accommodations for RE Act 
      purposes under �1744.40 and non-Act purposes under �1744.50.
      [66 FR 41758, Aug. 9, 2001]
      � 1744.21   Definitions.
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      The following definitions apply to this subpart:
      Administrator means the Administrator of RUS and includes the 
      Governor of the RTB.
      Advance means transferring funds from RUS, RTB, or a lender 
      guaranteed by RUS to the borrower's construction fund.
      After-acquired property means property which is to be acquired 
      by the borrower and which would be subject to the lien of the Government 
      mortgage when acquired.
      Amortization expense means the sum of the balances of the 
      following accounts of the borrower:
      
      
      
      
        
        
          | Account names | Number | 
        
          | (1) Amortization 
expense | 6560.2 | 
        
          | (2) Amortization 
            expense�tangible | 6563 | 
        
          | (3) Amortization 
            expense�intangible | 6564 | 
        
          | (4) Amortization 
            expense�other | 6565 | 
  
      Note: All references to account numbers are to the 
      Uniform System of Accounts (7 CFR part 1770, subpart B).
      Asset means a future economic benefit obtained or controlled by 
      the borrower as a result of past transactions or events.
      Automatic lien accommodation means the approval, by RUS, of a 
      request to share the Government's lien on a pari passu or pro-rata basis 
      with a private lender in accordance with the provisions of �1744.30.
      Borrower means any organization that has an outstanding 
      telecommunications loan made or guaranteed by RUS, or that is seeking such 
      financing. See 7 CFR part 1735.
      Construction Fund means the RUS Construction Fund Account into 
      which all advances of loan funds are deposited pursuant to the provisions 
      of the loan documents.
      Debt Service Coverage (DSC) ratio means the ratio of the sum of 
      the borrower's net income, depreciation and amortization expense, and 
      interest expense, all divided by the sum of all payments of principal and 
      interest required to be paid by the borrower during the year on all its 
      debt from any source with a maturity greater than 1 year and capital lease 
      obligations.
      Default means any event or occurrence which, unless corrected, 
      will, with the passage of time and the giving of proper notices, give rise 
      to remedies under one or more of the loan documents.
      Depreciation expense means the sum of the balances of the 
      following accounts of the borrower:
      
      
      
      
        
        
          | Account names | Number | 
        
          | (1) Depreciation 
expense | 6560.1 | 
        
          | (2) Depreciation 
            expense�telecommunications plant in service | 6561 | 
        
          | (3) Depreciation 
            expense�property held for future telecommunications use | 6562 | 
  
      Note: All references to account numbers are to the 
      Uniform System of Accounts (7 CFR part 1770, subpart B).
      Disbursement means a transfer of money by the borrower out of 
      the construction fund in accordance with the provisions of the fund.
      Equity percentage means the total equity or net worth of the 
      borrower expressed as a percentage of the borrower's total assets.
      FFB means the Federal Financing Bank.
      Financial Requirement Statement (FRS) means RUS Form 481 
      (OMB�No. 0572�0023). (This RUS Form is available from RUS, Program 
      Development and Regulatory Analysis, Washington, DC 20250�1522).
      Government mortgage means any instrument to which the 
      Government, acting through the Administrator, is a party and which creates 
      a lien or security interest in the borrower's property in connection with 
      a loan made or guaranteed by RUS whether the Government is the sole 
      mortgagee or is a co-mortgagee with a private lender.
      Hardship loan means a loan made by RUS under section 305(d)(1) 
      of the RE Act.
      Interim construction means the purchase of equipment or the 
      conduct of construction under an RUS-approved plan of interim financing. 
      See 7 CFR part 1737.
      Interest expense means the sum of the balances of the following 
      accounts of the borrower:
      
      
      
      
        
        
          | Account names | Number | 
        
          | (1) Interest and related 
            items | 7500 | 
        
          | (2) Interest on funded 
          debt | 7510 | 
        
          | (3) Interest 
            expense�capital leases | 7520 | 
        
          | (4) Amortization of debt 
            issuance expense | 7530 | 
        
          | (5) Less Allowance for 
            funds used during construction | 7340/7300.4 | 
        
          | (6) Other interest 
            deductions | 7540 | 
  
      Note: All references to account numbers are to the 
      Uniform System of Accounts (7 CFR part 1770, subpart B).
      Interim financing means funding for a project which RUS has 
      acknowledged may be included in a loan, should said loan be approved, but 
      for which RUS loan funds have not yet been made available.
      Lien accommodation means sharing the Government's lien on a pari 
      passu or pro-rata basis with a private lender.
      Loan means any loan made or guaranteed by RUS.
      Loan documents means the loan contract, note and mortgage 
      between the borrower and RUS and any associated document pertinent to a 
      loan.
      Loan funds means the proceeds of a loan made or guaranteed by 
      RUS.
      Material and supplies means any of the items properly recordable 
      in the following account of the borrower:
      
      
      
      
        
        
          | Account names | Number | 
        
          | (1) Material and 
          Supplies | 1220.1 | 
  
      Note: All references to account numbers are to the 
      Uniform System of Accounts (7 CFR part 1770, subpart B).
      Net income/Net margins means the sum of the balances of the 
      following accounts of the borrower:
      
      
      
      
        
        
          | Account names | Number | 
        
          | (1) Local Network Services 
            Revenues | 5000 through 5069 | 
        
          | (2) Network Access 
            Services Revenues | 5080 through 5084 | 
        
          | (3) Long Distance Network 
            Services Revenues | 5100 through 5169 | 
        
          | (4) Miscellaneous 
          Revenues | 5200 through 5270 | 
        
          | (5) Nonregulated 
          Revenues | 5280 | 
        
          | (6) Less Uncollectible 
            Revenues | 5200 through 5302 | 
        
          | (7) Less Plant Specific 
            Operations Expense | 6110 through 6441 | 
        
          | (8) Less Plant Nonspecific 
            Operations Expense | 6510 through 6565 | 
        
          | (9) Less Customer 
            Operations Expense | 6610 through 6623 | 
        
          | (10) Less Corporate 
            Operations Expense | 6710 through 6790 | 
        
          | (11) Other Operating 
            Income and Expense | 7100 through 7160 | 
        
          | (12) Less Operating 
          Taxes | 7200 through 7250/7200.5 | 
        
          | (13) Nonoperating Income 
            and Expense | 7300 through 7370 | 
        
          | (14) Less Nonoperating 
            Taxes | 7400 through 7450/7400.5 | 
        
          | (15) Less Interest and 
            Related Items | 7500 through 7540 | 
        
          | (16) Extraordinary 
Items | 7600 through 7640/7600.4 | 
        
          | (17) Jurisdictional 
            Differences and Nonregulated Income Items | 7910 through 
      7990 | 
  
      Note: All references to account numbers are to the 
      Uniform System of Accounts (7 CFR part 1770, subpart B).
      Net plant means the sum of the balances of the following 
      accounts of the borrower:
      
      
      
      
        
        
          | Account names | Number | 
        
          | (1) Property, Plant and 
            Equipment | 2001 through 2007 | 
        
          | (2) Less Depreciation and 
            Amortization | 3100 through 
      3600 | 
  
      Note: All references to account numbers are to the 
      Uniform System of Accounts (7 CFR part 1770, subpart B).
      Notes means evidence of indebtedness secured by or to be secured 
      by the Government mortgage.
      Pari Passu means equably; ratably; without preference or 
      precedence.
      Plant means any of the items properly recordable in the 
      following accounts of the borrower:
      
      
      
      
        
        
          | Account names | Number | 
        
          | (1) Property, Plant and 
            Equipment | 2001 through 
      2007 | 
  
      Note: All references to account numbers are to the 
      Uniform System of Accounts (7 CFR part 1770, subpart B).
      Private lender means any lender other than the RUS or the lender 
      of a loan guaranteed by RUS.
      Private lender notes means the notes evidencing a private 
      loan.
      Private loan means any loan made by a private lender.
      RE Act (Act) means the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7 
      U.S.C. 901 et seq. ) RTB means the Rural Telephone Bank.
      RUS means the Rural Utilities Service, and includes its 
      predecessor, the Rural Electrification Administration. The term also 
      includes the RTB, unless otherwise indicated.
      RUS cost-of-money loan means a loan made under section 305(d)(2) 
      of the RE Act.
      Subordination means allowing a private lender to have a lien on 
      specific property which will have priority over the Government's lien on 
      such property.
      Tangible plant means any of the items properly recordable in the 
      following accounts of the borrower:
      
      
      
      
        
        
          | Account names | Number | 
        
          | (1) Telecommunications 
            Plant in Service�General Support Assets | 2110 through 2124 | 
        
          | (2) Telecommunications 
            Plant in Service�Central Office Assets | 2210 through 2232 | 
        
          | (3) Telecommunications 
            Plant in Service�Information Origination/Termination Assets | 2310 through 2362 | 
        
          | (4) Telecommunications 
            Plant in Service�Cable and Wire Facilities Assets | 2410 through 2441 | 
        
          | (5) Amortizable Tangible 
            Assets | 2680 through 2682 | 
        
          | (6) Nonoperating Plant | 2006 | 
  
      Note: All references to account numbers are to the 
      Uniform System of Accounts (7 CFR part 1770, subpart B).
      Telecommunication services means any service for the 
      transmission, emission, or reception of signals, sounds, information, 
      images, or intelligence of any nature by optical waveguide, wire, radio, 
      or other electromagnetic systems and shall include all facilities used in 
      providing such service as well as the development, manufacture, sale, and 
      distribution of such facilities.
      Times interest earned ratio (TIER) means the ratio of the 
      borrower's net income or net margins plus interest expense, divided by 
      said interest expense.
      Total assets means the sum of the balances of the following 
      accounts of the borrower:
      
      
      
      
        
        
          | Account names | Number | 
        
          | (1) Current Assets | 1100s through 1300s | 
        
          | (2) Noncurrent Assets | 1400s through 1500s | 
        
          | (3) Total 
            telecommunications plant | 2001 through 2007 | 
        
          | (4) Less accumulated 
            depreciation | 3100 through 3300s | 
        
          | (5) Less accumulated 
            amortization | 3400 through 
      3600s | 
  
      Note: All references to account numbers are to the 
      Uniform System of Accounts (7 CFR part 1770, subpart B).
      Total equity or net worth means the excess of a borrower's total 
      assets over its total liabilities.
      Total liabilities means the sum of the balances of the following 
      accounts of the borrower:
      
      
      
      
        
        
          | Account names | Number | 
        
          | (1) Current Liabilities | 4010 through 4130.2 | 
        
          | (2) Long-Term Debt | 4210 through 4270.3 | 
        
          | (3) Other Liabilities and 
            Deferred Credits | 4310 through 
      4370 | 
  
      Note: All references to account numbers are to the 
      Uniform System of Accounts (7 CFR part 1770, subpart B).
      Total long-term debt means the sum of the balances of the 
      following accounts of the borrower:
      
      
      
      
        
        
          | Account names | Number | 
        
          | (1) Long-Term Debt | 4210 through 
      4270.3 | 
  
      Note: All references to account numbers are to the 
      Uniform System of Accounts (7 CFR part 1770, subpart B).
      Weighted-average life of the loans or notes means the average 
      life of the loans or notes based on the proportion of original loan 
      principal paid during each year of the loans or notes. It shall be 
      determined by calculating the sum of all loan or note principal payments 
      expressed as a fraction of the original loan or note principal amount, 
      times the number of years and fractions of years elapsed at the time of 
      each payment since issuance of the loan or note. For example, given a $5 
      million loan, with a maturity of 5 years and equal principal payments of 
      $1 million due on the anniversary date of the loan, the weighted-average 
      life would be: (.2)(1 year) + (.2)(2 years) + (.2)(3 years) + (.2)(4 
      years) + (.2)(5 years) = .2 years + .4 years + .6 years + .8 years + 1.0 
      years = 3.0 years. If instead the loan had a balloon payment of $5 million 
      at the end of 5 years, the weighted-average life would be: ($5 million/$5 
      million)(5 years) = 5 years.
      Weighted-average remaining life of the loans or notes means the 
      remaining average life of the loans or notes based on the proportion of 
      remaining loan or note principal expressed in years remaining to maturity 
      of the loans or notes. It shall be determined by calculating the sum of 
      the remaining principal payments of each loan or note expressed as a 
      fraction of the total remaining loan or note amounts times the number of 
      years and fraction of years remaining until maturity of the loan or 
      note.
      Weighted-average remaining useful life of the assets means the 
      estimated original average life of the assets to be acquired with the 
      proceeds of the private lender notes expressed in years based on 
      depreciation rates less the number of years those assets have been in 
      service (or have been depreciated). It shall be determined by calculating 
      the sum of each asset's remaining value expressed as a fraction of the 
      total remaining value of the assets, times the estimated number of years 
      and fraction of years remaining until the assets are fully 
depreciated.
      Wholly-owned subsidiary means a corporation owned 100 percent by 
      the borrower.
      [66 FR 41758, Aug. 9, 2001]
      �� 1744.22-1744.29   [Reserved]
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      � 1744.30   Automatic lien 
      accommodations.
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      (a) Purposes and requirements for approval. Automatic lien 
      accommodations are available only for refinancing and refunding of notes 
      secured by the borrower's existing Government mortgage; financing assets, 
      to be owned by the borrower, to provide telecommunications services; or 
      financing assets, to be owned by a wholly-owned subsidiary of the 
      borrower, to provide telecommunications services in accordance with the 
      procedures set forth in this section.
      (b) Private lender responsibility. The private lender is 
      responsible for ensuring that its notes, for which an automatic lien 
      accommodation has been approved as set forth in this section, are secured 
      under the mortgage. The private lender is responsible for ensuring that 
      the supplemental mortgage is a valid and binding instrument enforceable in 
      accordance with its terms, and recorded and filed in accordance with 
      applicable law. If the private lender determines that additional documents 
      are required or that RUS must take additional actions to secure the notes 
      under the mortgage, the private lender shall follow the procedures set 
      forth in �1744.40 or �1744.50, as appropriate.
      (c) Refinancing and refunding. The Administrator will 
      automatically approve a borrower's execution of private lender notes and 
      the securing of such notes on a pari passu or pro-rata basis with all 
      other notes secured under the Government mortgage, when such private 
      lender notes are issued for the purpose of refinancing or refunding any 
      notes secured under the Government mortgage, provided that all of the 
      following conditions are met:
      (1) No default has occurred and is continuing under the Government 
      mortgage;
      (2) The borrower has delivered to the Administrator, at least 10 
      business days before the private lender notes are to be executed, a 
      certification and agreement executed by the President of the borrower's 
      Board of Directors, such certification and agreement to be substantially 
      in the form set forth in Appendix A of this subpart, providing that:
      (i) No default has occurred and is continuing under the Government 
      mortgage;
      (ii) The principal amount of such refinancing or refunding notes will 
      not be greater than 112 percent of the then outstanding principal balance 
      of the notes being refinanced or refunded;
      (iii) The weighted-average life of the private loan evidenced by the 
      private lender notes will not exceed the weighted-average remaining life 
      of the notes being refinanced or refunded;
      (iv) The private lender notes will provide for substantially level debt 
      service or level principal amortization over a period not less than the 
      original remaining years to maturity;
      (v) Except as provided in the Government mortgage, the borrower has not 
      agreed to any restrictions or limitations on future loans from RUS; 
and
      (vi) If the private lender determines that a supplemental mortgage is 
      necessary, the borrower will comply with those procedures contained in 
      paragraph (h) of this section for the preparation, execution, and delivery 
      of a supplemental mortgage and take such additional action as may be 
      required to secure the notes under the Government mortgage.
      (d) Financing assets to be owned directly by a borrower. The 
      Administrator will automatically approve a borrower's execution of private 
      lender notes and the securing of such notes on a pari passu or pro-rata 
      basis with all other notes secured under the Government mortgage, when 
      such private lender notes are issued for the purpose of financing the 
      purchase or construction of plant and material and supplies to provide 
      telecommunication services and when such assets are to be owned and the 
      telecommunications services are to be offered by the borrower, provided 
      that all of the following conditions are met:
      (1) The borrower has achieved a TIER of not less than 1.5 and a DSC of 
      not less than 1.25 for each of the borrower's two fiscal years immediately 
      preceding the issuance of the private lender notes;
      (2) The ratio of the borrower's net plant to its total long-term debt 
      at the end of any calendar month ending not more than 90 days prior to 
      execution of the private lender notes is not less than 1.2, on a pro-forma 
      basis, after taking into account the effect of the private lender notes 
      and additional plant on the total long-term debt of the borrower;
      (3) The borrower's equity percentage, as of the most recent fiscal 
      year-end, was not less than 25 percent;
      (4) No default has occurred and is continuing under the Government 
      mortgage;
      (5) The borrower has delivered to the Administrator, at least 10 
      business days before the private lender notes are to be executed, a 
      certification by an independent certified public accountant that the 
      borrower has met each of the requirements in paragraphs (d)(1) and (d)(3) 
      of this section, such certification to be substantially in the form in 
      Appendix B of this subpart; and
      (6) The borrower has delivered to the Administrator, at least 10 
      business days before the private lender notes are to be executed, a 
      certification and agreement executed by the President of the borrower's 
      Board of Directors, such certification and agreement to be substantially 
      in the form in Appendix C of this subpart: provided, that:
      (i) The borrower has met each of the requirements in paragraphs (d)(2) 
      and (d)(4) of this section;
      (ii) The proceeds of the private lender notes are to be used for the 
      construction or purchase of the plant and materials and supplies to 
      provide telecommunications services in accordance with this section and 
      such construction or purchase is expected to be completed not later than 4 
      years after execution of such notes;
      (iii) The weighted-average life of the private loan evidenced by the 
      private lender notes does not exceed the weighted-average remaining useful 
      life of the assets being financed;
      (iv) The private lender notes will provide for substantially level debt 
      service or level principal amortization over a period not less than the 
      original remaining years to maturity;
      (v) All of the assets financed by the private loans will be purchased 
      or otherwise procured in bona fide arm's length transactions;
      (vi) The financing agreement with the private lender will provide that 
      the private lender shall cease the advance of funds upon receipt of 
      written notification from RUS that the borrower is in default under the 
      RUS loan documents;
      (vii) Except as provided in the Government mortgage, the borrower has 
      not agreed to any restrictions or limitations on future loans from RUS; 
      and
      (viii) If the private lender determines that a supplemental mortgage is 
      necessary, the borrower will comply with those procedures set forth in 
      paragraph (h) of this section for the preparation, execution, and delivery 
      of a supplemental mortgage and take such additional action as may be 
      required to secure the notes under the Government mortgage.
      (e) Financing assets to be owned by a wholly-owned subsidiary of the 
      borrower. The Administrator will automatically approve a borrower's 
      execution of private lender notes and the securing of such notes on a pari 
      passu or pro-rata basis with all other notes secured under the Government 
      mortgage, when such private lender notes are issued for the purpose of 
      financing the purchase or construction of tangible plant and material and 
      supplies to provide telecommunication services and when such services are 
      to be offered and the associated tangible assets are to be owned by a 
      wholly-owned subsidiary of the borrower, provided that all of the 
      following conditions are met:
      (1) The borrower has achieved a TIER of not less than 2.5 and a DSC of 
      not less than 1.5 for each of the borrower's two fiscal years immediately 
      preceding the issuance of the private lender notes;
      (2) The ratio of the borrower's net plant to its total long-term debt 
      at the end of any calendar month ending not more than 90 days prior to 
      execution of the private lender notes is not less than 1.6, on a pro-forma 
      basis, after taking into account the effect of the private lender notes 
      and additional plant on the total long-term debt of the borrower;
      (3) The borrower's equity percentage, as of the most recent fiscal 
      year-end, was not less than 45 percent;
      (4) No default has occurred and is continuing under the Government 
      mortgage;
      (5) The borrower has delivered to the Administrator, at least 10 
      business days before the private lender notes are to be executed, a 
      certification by an independent certified public accountant that the 
      borrower has met each of the requirements in paragraphs (e)(1) and (e)(3) 
      of this section, such certification to be substantially in the form in 
      Appendix D of this subpart; and
      (6) The borrower has delivered to the Administrator, at least 10 
      business days before the private lender notes are to be executed, a 
      certification and agreement executed by the President of the borrower's 
      Board of Directors, such certification and agreement to be substantially 
      in the form in Appendix E of this subpart; providing that:
      (i) The borrower has met each of the requirements in paragraphs (e)(2) 
      and (e)(4) of this section;
      (ii) The proceeds of the private lender notes are to be used for the 
      construction or purchase of the tangible plant and materials and supplies 
      to provide telecommunications services in accordance with this section and 
      such construction or purchase is expected to be completed not later than 4 
      years after execution of such notes;
      (iii) The weighted-average life of the private loan evidenced by the 
      private lender notes does not exceed the weighted-average remaining useful 
      life of the assets being financed;
      (iv) The private lender notes will provide for substantially level debt 
      service or level principal amortization over a period not less than the 
      original remaining years to maturity;
      (v) All of the assets financed by the private loans will be purchased 
      or otherwise procured in bona fide arm's length transactions;
      (vi) The proceeds of the private lender notes will be lent to a 
      wholly-owned subsidiary of the borrower pursuant to terms and conditions 
      agreed upon by the borrower and subsidiary;
      (vii) The borrower will, whenever requested by RUS, provide RUS with a 
      copy of the financing or guarantee agreement between the borrower and the 
      subsidiary or any similar or related material including security 
      instruments, loan contracts, or notes issued by the subsidiary to the 
      borrower;
      (viii) The borrower will promptly report to the Administrator any 
      default by the subsidiary or other actions that impair or may impair the 
      subsidiary's ability to repay its loans;
      (ix) The financing agreement with the private lender will provide that 
      the private lender shall cease the advance of funds upon receipt of 
      written notification from RUS that the borrower is in default under the 
      RUS loan documents;
      (x) Except as provided in the Government mortgage, the borrower has not 
      agreed to any restrictions or limitations on future loans from RUS; 
and
      (xi) If the private lender determines that a supplemental mortgage is 
      necessary, the borrower will comply with those procedures contained in 
      paragraph (h) of this section for the preparation, execution, and delivery 
      of a supplemental mortgage and take such additional action as may be 
      required to secure the notes under the Government mortgage.
      (f) Borrower notification. The borrower shall notify RUS of its 
      intention to obtain an automatic lien accommodation under �1744.30 by 
      providing the following:
      (1) The board resolution cited in �1744.55(b)(1) and the opinion of 
      counsel cited in �1744.55(b)(2);
      (2) The applicable certification or certifications required by 
      paragraph (c)(2); paragraphs (d)(5) and (d)(6); or paragraphs (e)(5) and 
      (e)(6), respectively, of this section, in substantially the form contained 
      in the applicable appendices to this subpart.
      (g) RUS acknowledgment. Within 5 business days of receipt of the 
      completed certifications and any other information required under this 
      section, RUS will review the information and provide written 
      acknowledgment to the borrower and the private lender of its qualification 
      for an automatic lien accommodation. Upon receipt of the acknowledgment, 
      the borrower may execute the private lender notes.
      (h) Supplemental mortgage. If the private lender determines that 
      a supplemental mortgage is required to secure the private lender notes on 
      a pari passu or pro-rata basis with all other notes secured under the 
      Government mortgage, the private lender may prepare the supplemental 
      mortgage using the form attached as Appendix F to this subpart or the 
      borrower may request RUS to prepare such supplemental mortgage in 
      accordance with the following procedures:
      (1) The private lender preparing the supplemental mortgage shall 
      execute and forward the completed document to RUS. Upon ascertaining the 
      correctness of the form and the information concerning RUS, RUS will 
      execute and forward the supplemental mortgage to the borrower.
      (2) When requested by the borrower, RUS will expeditiously prepare the 
      supplemental mortgage, using the form in Appendix F to this subpart, upon 
      submission by the private lender of:
      (i) The name of the private lender;
      (ii) The Property Schedule for inclusion as supplemental mortgage 
      Schedule B, containing legally sufficient description of all real property 
      owned by the borrower; and
      (iii) The amount of the private lender note.
      (3) The government is not responsible for ensuring that the 
      supplemental mortgage has been executed by all parties and is a valid and 
      binding instrument enforceable in accordance with its terms, and recorded 
      and filed in accordance with applicable law. If the private lender 
      determines that additional security instruments or other documents are 
      required or that RUS must take additional actions to secure the private 
      lender notes under the mortgage, the private lender shall follow the 
      procedures established in ��1744.40 or 1744.50, as appropriate. Except for 
      the actions of the government expressly established in �1744.40, the 
      government undertakes no obligation to effectuate an automatic lien 
      accommodation. When processing of the supplemental mortgage has been 
      completed to the satisfaction of the private lender, the borrower shall 
      provide RUS with the following:
      (i) A fully executed counterpart of the supplemental mortgage, 
      including all signatures, seals, and acknowledgements; and
      (ii) Copies of all opinions rendered by borrower's counsel to the 
      private lender.
      (i) Other approvals. (1) The borrower is responsible for meeting 
      all requirements necessary to issue private lender notes and to 
      accommodate the lien of the Government mortgage to secure the private 
      lender notes including, but not limited to, those of the private lender, 
      of any other mortgagees secured under the existing RUS mortgage, and of 
      any governmental entities with jurisdiction over the issuance of notes or 
      the execution and delivery of the supplemental mortgage.
      (2) To the extent that the borrower's existing mortgage requires RUS 
      approval before the borrower can make an investment in an affiliated 
      company, approval is hereby given for all investments made in affiliated 
      companies with the proceeds of private lender notes qualifying for an 
      automatic lien accommodation under paragraph (e) of this section. Any 
      reference to an approval by RUS under the mortgage shall apply only to the 
      rights of RUS and not to any other party.
      [66 FR 41760, Aug. 9, 2001]
      � 1744.40   Act purposes.
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      (a) Borrowers are encouraged to submit requests for accommodation of 
      the Government's lien on the borrower's system in order to facilitate 
      obtaining financing from private lenders for purposes provided in the RE 
      Act.
      (b) The Administrator will consider requests for the subordination of 
      the Government's lien on after-acquired property which will enable 
      borrowers to obtain financing from private lenders for purposes provided 
      in the Act: Provided, however, that property integral to the operation of 
      projects financed with loans made or guaranteed by RUS shall be financed 
      with funds obtained through lien accommodations instead of lien 
      subordinations, unless the Administrator determines that it is in the 
      Government's interest to do otherwise.
      [51 FR 32430, Sept. 12, 1986, unless otherwise noted. Redesignated at 
      55 FR 39396, Sept. 27, 1990. And further redesignated at 66 FR 41760, Aug. 
      9, 2001]
      �� 1744.41-1744.49   [Reserved]
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      � 1744.50   Non-Act purposes.
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      (a) The Administrator will consider requests for the accommodation of 
      the Government's lien on the borrower's system or the subordination of the 
      Government's lien on after-acquired property which will enable the 
      borrowers to obtain financing from private lenders for the purpose of 
      providing new telecommunication services which may not be eligible for 
      financing under the Act if the Administrator is satisfied that:
      (1) The borrower will have the ability to repay its existing and 
      proposed indebtedness;
      (2) The security for outstanding Government loans and guarantees is 
      reasonably adequate and will not be adversely affected by the 
      accommodation or subordination; and
      (3) Approval of the request is in the interests of the Government with 
      respect to the financial soundness of the borrower and other matters, such 
      as assuring that the borrower's system is constructed cost-effectively 
      using sound engineering practices.
      (b) In determining that the security for outstanding Government loans 
      and guarantees is reasonably adequate and will not be adversely affected 
      by the accommodation or subordination the Administrator will consider, 
      among other matters, when applicable, the following:
      (1) Market forecasts for the project;
      (2) Projected revenues, expenses and net income of the borrower's 
      existing system and the project;
      (3) Maximum debt service on indebtedness of both the borrower's system 
      and the project;
      (4) Projected rate of return on the borrower's investment in the 
      project;
      (5) Fair market value of property acquired by the borrower as part of 
      the project;
      (6) Impact of the project on the ratio of the borrower's secured debt 
      to assets;
      (7) Projected growth in borrower's system and project equity; and
      (8) Amount of funds available for plant additions, replacements and 
      other similar costs of the system and the project.
      (c) In determining whether the accommodation or subordination is in the 
      interests of the Government, the Administrator may consider, among other 
      matters, whether the project will improve the borrower's financial 
      strength and the assurance of repayment of Government debt.
      [51 FR 32430, Sept. 12, 1986. Redesignated at 55 FR 39396, Sept. 27, 
      1990, and amended at 59 FR 43716, Aug. 25, 1994. Further redesignated at 
      66 FR 41760, Aug. 9, 2001 and amended at 66 FR 41763, Aug. 9, 2001]
      �� 1744.51-1744.54   [Reserved]
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      � 1744.55   Application procedures.
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      (a) Requests for information regarding applications for lien 
      accommodations or subordination under this part should be addressed to the 
      Assistant Administrator, Telecommunications Program, Rural Utilities 
      Service, Washington, DC 20250�1590.
      (b) An application for a lien accommodation or subordination shall 
      include the following supporting information:
      (1) A board Resolution from the applicant requesting the lien 
      accommodation or subordination and stating the general purpose for which 
      the funds from the private lender will be used, the proposed amount of the 
      loan, and the proposed terms and conditions of the loan;
      (2) An opinion from counsel representing the applicant that the 
      applicant has the authority under its articles of incorporation, bylaws, 
      and under applicable state law to undertake the project;
      (3) Engineering and pertinent studies related to the projects or 
      purposes to be financed, when applicable;
      (4) Feasibility studies with pro forma financial statements showing the 
      ability to repay the loan and provide an appropriate margin or net 
      income;
      (5) Any other information or documentation deemed pertinent by the 
      borrower or the Administrator in support of the application.
      (c) When the Administrator makes a determination that an application 
      for an accommodation or subordination will not be approved the 
      Administrator shall set forth the reasons therefor in writing and furnish 
      such determination and reasons to the borrower within 30 days of the 
      determination.
      [51 FR 32430, Sept. 12, 1986 Redesignated at 55 FR 39396, Sept. 27, 
      1990. And further redesignated at 66 FR 41760, Aug. 9, 2001 and amended at 
      66 FR 41763, Aug. 9, 2001]
      �� 1744.56-1744.59   [Reserved]
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      Appendix A to Subpart B of Part 1744�Statement, Certification, and 
      Agreement of Borrower's President of Board of Directors Regarding 
      Refinancing and Refunding Notes Pursuant to 7 CFR 1744.30(c)
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      View 
      or download PDF
      
      
      
[66 FR 41763, Aug. 9, 2001]
      Appendix B to Subpart B of Part 1744�Certification of Independent 
      Certified Public Accountant Regarding Notes To Be Issued Pursuant to 7 CFR 
      1744.30(c)
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      View 
      or download PDF
      
      
      
[66 FR 41763, Aug. 9, 2001]
      Appendix C to Subpart B of Part 1744�Statement, Certification, and 
      Agreement of Borrower's President of Board of Directors Regarding Notes To 
      Be Issued Pursuant to 7 CFR 1744.30(d)
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      View 
      or download PDF
      
      
      
[66 FR 41763, Aug. 9, 2001]
      Appendix D to Subpart B of Part 1744�Certification of Independent 
      Certified Public Accountant Regarding Notes To Be Issued Pursuant to 7 CFR 
      1744.30
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      View 
      or download PDF
      
      
      
[66 FR 41763, Aug. 9, 2001]
      Appendix E to Subpart B of Part 1744�Statement, Certification, and 
      Agreement of Borrower's President of Board of Directors Regarding Notes To 
      Be Issued Pursuant to 7 CFR 1744.30(e)
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      top 
      View 
      or download PDF
      
      
 
      
View 
      or download PDF
      
      
      
[66 FR 41763, Aug. 9, 2001]
      Appendix F to Subpart B of Part 1744�Form of Supplemental 
      Mortgage
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      top 
      View 
      or download PDF
      
      
 
      
View 
      or download PDF
      
      
 
      
View 
      or download PDF
      
      
      
[66 FR 41763, Aug. 9, 2001]
      Subpart C�Advance and Disbursement of Funds
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      Source:   54 FR 12186, Mar. 24, 1989, 
      unless otherwise noted. Redesignated at 55 FR 39396, Sept. 27, 
      1990.
      � 1744.60   General.
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(a) The standard loan documents (as defined in 7 CFR part 1758) contain 
      provisions regarding advances and disbursements of loan funds by telephone 
      borrowers. This part implements certain of the provisions by setting forth 
      requirements and procedures to be followed by borrowers in obtaining 
      advances and making disbursements of loan and nonloan funds.
      (b) This part supersedes any sections of RUS Bulletins with which it is 
      in conflict.
      � 1744.61   [Reserved]
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      � 1744.62   Introduction.
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      RUS is under no obligation to make or approve advances of loan funds 
      unless the borrower is in compliance with all terms and conditions of the 
      loan documents. The borrower shall use funds in its construction fund only 
      to make disbursements approved by RUS.
      � 1744.63   The telephone loan budget.
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      When the loan is made, RUS provides the borrower a Telephone Loan 
      Budget, RUS Form 493. This budget divides the loan into budget accounts 
      such as �Engineering.� When a contract or other document is approved by 
      RUS, funds are encumbered from the appropriate budget account. See 7 CFR 
      part 1753.
      � 1744.64   Budget adjustment.
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      (a) If more funds are required than are available in a budget account, 
      the borrower may request RUS's approval of a budget adjustment to use 
      funds from another account. The request shall include an explanation of 
      the change, the budget account to be used, and a description of how the 
      adjustment will affect loan purposes. RUS will not approve a budget 
      adjustment that affects other loan purposes unless the borrower satisfies 
      RUS that the additional funds are available from another source, requests 
      a deficiency loan, or scales back the project.
      (b) RUS may make a budget adjustment without a formal request by the 
      borrower when a budget account is insufficient to encumber funds for a 
      contract that otherwise would be approved by RUS. See 7 CFR part 
      1753.
      � 1744.65   The construction fund.
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      (a) The construction fund is used by the borrower primarily to hold 
      advances until disbursed.
      (b) All advances shall be deposited in the construction fund.
      (c) RUS may require that other funds be deposited in the construction 
      fund. These may include equity or general fund contributions to 
      construction, service termination payments, proceeds from the sale of 
      property, amounts recovered from insurance for losses during the 
      construction period, and interest received on loan funds in savings or 
      interest bearing checking accounts, and similar receipts. Deposit slips 
      for any deposit to the construction fund shall show the source and amount 
      of funds deposited and be executed by an authorized representative of the 
      bank.
      (d) Funds shall be disbursed only up to the amount approved for advance 
      on the FRS as described in �1744.66. No funds may be withdrawn from the 
      fund except for loan purposes approved by RUS.
      (e) The disbursement of nonloan funds requires the same RUS approvals 
      as loan funds.
      (f) Disbursements must be evidenced by canceled checks. The invoices 
      and supporting documentation needed for construction contracts are 
      specified in the contracts and in 7 CFR part 1753. Disbursements to 
      reimburse the borrower's general funds shall be documented by a 
      reimbursement schedule, to be retained in the borrower's files, 
      that lists the construction fund check number, date, and an 
      explanation of amounts reimbursed by budget account.
      � 1744.66   The financial requirement statement 
      (FRS).
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      (a) To request advances, the borrower must submit to RUS an FRS, a 
      description of the advances desired, and other information related to the 
      transactions when required by RUS.
      (b) The FRS is used by RUS and the borrower to record and control 
      transactions in the construction fund. Approved contracts and other items 
      are shown on the FRS under �Approved Purposes.� Except as noted below, the 
      amount approved for advance is 100 percent of the amount encumbered for 
      that item. Funds are approved for advance as follows:
      (1) Construction �(i) Construction contracts and force 
      account proposals. Ninety percent of the encumbered amount (95 percent 
      for outside plant), with the final 10 percent (5 percent) approved when 
      RUS approves the closeout documents. When a contract contains supplement 
      �A� (See 7 CFR part 1753), 90 percent (95 percent) of the contract is 
      approved less materials supplied by the borrower. For the Supplement �A� 
      materials, which are a separate entry on the FRS, 100 percent of the 
      material cost is approved.
      (ii) Work orders. The portion of the work order summary (See 7 
      CFR part 1753) determined by RUS to be for approved loan purposes.
      (iii) Work order fund. Based on a borrower's request as 
      described in 7 CFR part 1753.
      (iv) Real estate. Upon request by the borrower after submission 
      of evidence of a valid title.
      (v) Right of way procurement. Based on the borrower's itemized 
      costs.
      (vi) Joint use charges. Based on copies of invoices from the 
      other utility.
      (2) Engineering �(i) Preloan engineering. Based on a 
      final itemized invoice from the engineer.
      (ii) Postloan engineering contracts. The amount shown on the 
      engineering estimate, RUS Form 506, less the amount estimated for 
      construction contract closeouts. The balance is approved when the 
      engineering contract is closed.
      (iii) Force account engineering. Ninety percent of the total 
      amount of the RUS approved force account engineering proposal. The balance 
      is approved when the force account engineering proposal is closed.
      (3) Office equipment, vehicles and work equipment. Based on 
      copies of invoices for the equipment.
      (4) General �(i) Organization and loan expenditures. 
      Based on an itemized list of requirements prepared by the 
borrower.
      (ii) Construction overhead. Based on an itemized list of 
      expenditures. If funds are required for employee salaries, the itemization 
      shall include the employee's position, the period covered, total 
      compensation for the period, and the portion of compensation attributable 
      to the itemized construction.
      (iii) Legal fees. Based on itemized invoices from the 
      attorney.
      (iv) Bank stock. Based on the requirements for purchase of class 
      B Rural Telephone Bank stock established in the loan. Funds for class B 
      stock will be advanced in an amount equal to 5 percent of the amount, 
      exclusive of the amount for class B stock, of each loan advance, at the 
      time of such advance.
      (5) Operating expenses �(i) Working capital�new system. 
      Based on the borrower's itemized estimate.
      (ii) Current operating deficiencies. Based on a current and 
      projected balance sheet submitted by the borrower.
      (6) Debt retirement and refinancing. Upon release of the loan, 
      based on the amount in the approved budget.
      (7) Acquisitions. Based on final itemized costs, but cannot 
      exceed the amount in the approved loan budget.
      (c) Funds other than loan funds deposited in the construction fund, 
      which shall include proceeds from the sale of property on which RUS has a 
      lien, (lines 10 and 11 on the FRS) are reported as a credit under total 
      disbursements. Disbursements of these funds are subject to the same RUS 
      approvals as loan funds.
      (d) The borrower shall request advances as needed to meet its 
      obligations promptly. Generally, RUS does not approve an advance requested 
      more than 60 days before the obligation is payable.
      (e) Funds should be disbursed for the item for which they were 
      advanced. If the borrower needs to pay an invoice for which funds have not 
      been advanced, and disbursement of advanced funds for another item has 
      been delayed, the latter funds may be disbursed to pay the invoice up to 
      the amount approved for advance for that item on the FRS. The borrower 
      shall make erasable entries on the next FRS showing the changes under 
      �Total Advances to Date� and shall explain the changes in writing before 
      RUS will process the next FRS.
      (f) Advances will be rounded down to the nearest thousands of dollars 
      except for final amounts.
      (g) The certification on each of the three copies of the FRS sent to 
      RUS shall be signed by a corporate officer of manager authorized by 
      resolution of the board of directors to sign such statements. At the time 
      of such authorization a certified copy of the resolution and one copy of 
      RUS Form 675, Certificate of Authority, shall be submitted to RUS.
      (h) The documentation required for the FRS transactions are the deposit 
      slips, the canceled construction fund checks and the supporting invoices 
      or reimbursement schedules. These shall be kept in the borrower's files 
      for periodic audits by RUS.
      [54 FR 12186, Mar. 24, 1989. Redesignated at 55 FR 39396, Sept. 27, 
      1990, as amended at 56 FR 26600, June 10, 1991]
      � 1744.67   Temporary excess construction 
      funds.
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      (a) When unanticipated events delay the borrower's disbursement of 
      advanced funds, the funds may be used as follows:
      (1) With RUS loan funds for loans approved prior to November 1, 1993, 
      or hardship loan funds, the borrower may invest the funds in 5 percent 
      Treasury Certificates of Indebtedness�RUS Series.
      (2) With RUS cost-of-money, FFB or RTB loan funds, the following 
      apply:
      (i) The borrower may invest the funds in short term securities issued 
      by the United States Treasury.
      (ii) If permitted by state law, the borrower may deposit the funds in 
      savings accounts, including certificates of deposit, of federally insured 
      savings institutions.
      (3) Funds advanced by a guaranteed lender other than the FFB may, if so 
      permitted by such lender, be invested under the terms and conditions 
      described above for FFB advances.
      (4) Any security or investment made under this authorization shall 
      identify the borrower by its corporate name followed by the words 
      �Trustee, Rural Utilities Service.�
      (5) All temporary investments and all income derived from them shall be 
      considered part of the construction fund and be subject to the same 
      controls as cash in that account.
      (6) Securities and other investments shall have maturity dates or 
      liquidating provisions that ensure the availability of funds as required 
      for the completion of projects and the payment of obligations.
      (7) Any instrument evidencing a security or other investment herein 
      authorized to be purchased or made, may not be sold, discounted, or 
      pledged as collateral for a loan or as security for the performance of an 
      obligation or for any other purpose.
      (8) The Administrator may, at his sole discretion, require a borrower 
      to pledge any security or other evidence of investment authorized hereby 
      by forwarding to him all pertinent instruments and related documentation 
      as he may reasonably require.
      (9) Borrowers shall be responsible for the safekeeping of securities 
      and other investments.
      (b) All interest and income received from investments of temporary 
      excess funds, as described in this section, shall be deposited in the 
      Construction Fund.
      (c) The borrower shall account for investment proceeds on the next FRS 
      submitted to RUS. RUS will make the necessary adjustments on budgetary 
      records.
      (d) The Administrator reserves the right to suspend any borrower's 
      authorization to invest temporary excess funds contained herein if the 
      borrower does not comply with the requirements.
      (e) For RUS loans approved prior to October 1, 1991, the borrower may 
      return advanced funds to RUS as a refund of an advance. Interest stops 
      accruing on the refunded advance upon receipt by RUS. A refunded advance 
      may be readvanced. A refund of an advance shall be sent to the Rural 
      Utilities Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Collections 
      and Custodial Section, Washington, DC, 20250. The borrower should clearly 
      indicate that this is a refund of an advance, and not a loan payment or 
      prepayment.
      [54 FR 12186, Mar. 24, 1989. Redesignated at 55 FR 39395, Sept. 27, 
      1990, and amended at 58 FR 66257, Dec. 20, 1993]
      � 1744.68   Order and method of advances of 
      telephone loan funds.
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      (a) Borrowers may specify the sequence of advances of funds under any 
      combination of approved telephone loans from RUS, RTB, or FFB, except that 
      for all loans approved on or after November 1, 1993, the borrower may use 
      loan funds:
      (1) Only for purposes for which that type of loan (i.e. Hardship, RUS 
      cost-of-money, RTB, or FFB) may be made; and
      (2) Only in exchanges that qualify for the type of loan from which the 
      funds are drawn.
      (b) The first or subsequent advances of loan funds may be conditioned 
      on the satisfaction of certain requirements stated in the borrower's loan 
      contract.
      (c) Normally, only one payment is made by the Automatic Clearing House 
      (ACH) for an advance of funds.
      (d) Borrowers of RUS and RTB funds may request advances by wire service 
      only for amounts greater than $500,000 or for advances to borrowers 
      outside the Continental United States. FFB advances in any amount over 
      $100,000 can be sent by wire service.
      (e) The following information shall be included with the FRS:
      (1) Name and address of borrower's bank.
      (2) If borrower's bank is not a member of the Federal Reserve System, 
      the name and address of its correspondent bank that is a member of the 
      Federal Reserve System.
      (3) American Bankers Association (ABA) nine digit identifier of the 
      receiving banks (routing number and check digit).
      (4) Borrower's bank account title and number.
      (5) Any other necessary identifying information.
      [54 FR 12186, Mar. 24, 1989. Redesignated at 55 FR 39395, Sept. 27, 
      1990, and amended at 58 FR 66257, Dec. 20, 1993]
      � 1744.69   [Reserved]
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      Subpart D [Reserved]
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      Subpart E�Borrower Investments
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      Source:   58 FR 52642, Oct. 12, 1993, 
      unless otherwise noted.
      � 1744.200   General statement.
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(a) RUS telephone borrowers are encouraged to utilize their own funds 
      to participate in the economic development of rural areas, provided that 
      such activity does not impair a borrower's ability to provide modern 
      telecommunications services at reasonable rates or to repay its 
      indebtedness to RUS and other lenders. When considering loans, 
      investments, or guarantees, borrowers are expected to act in accordance 
      with prudent business practices and in conformity with the laws of the 
      jurisdictions in which they serve.
      (b) This subpart E applies to both RUS and RTB borrowers. For the 
      purposes of RTB borrowers, as used in this subpart E, if a borrower has 
      received a loan from the RTB, RUS means RTB, and Administrator means 
      Governor unless the text indicates otherwise.
      � 1744.201   Definitions.
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      As used in this subpart:
      Administrator means the Administrator of the Rural Utilities 
      Service (RUS) and, as provided in �1744.200(b), the Governor of the Rural 
      Telephone Bank (RTB).
      Advance means any funds provided of which repayment is 
      expected.
      Affiliated company means any organization that directly, or 
      indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls or is controlled 
      by, or is under common control with, the borrower.
      Borrower means any organization which has an outstanding loan 
      made by RUS or RTB, or guaranteed by RUS, or which is seeking such 
      financing.
      Extension of credit means to make loans or advances.
      Guarantee means to undertake collaterally to answer for the 
      payment of another's debt or the performance of another's duty, liability, 
      or obligation, including, without limitation, the obligations of 
      affiliated companies. Some examples of such guarantees would include:
      (1) Guarantees of payment or collection on a note or other debt 
      instrument;
      (2) Issuing performance bonds or completion bonds; or
      (3) Cosigning leases or other obligations of third parties.
      Maximum investment ratio means that the aggregate of all 
      qualified investments by the borrower including the proposed qualified 
      investment shall not be more than one-third of the net worth of the 
      borrower.
      Minimum total assets ratio means the borrower's net worth is at 
      least twenty percent of its total assets including the proposed qualified 
      investment.
      Net plant means the sum of the balances of the following 
      accounts of the borrower:
      
      
      
      
        
        
          | Account Names | Number | 
        
          | (1) Telecommunications 
            plant in service | 2001 | 
        
          | (2) Property held for 
            future telecommunications use | 2002 | 
        
          | (3) Telecommunications 
            plant under construction-short term | 2003 | 
        
          | (4) Telecommunications 
            plant under construction-long term | 2004 | 
        
          | (5) Telecommunications 
            plant adjustment | 2005 | 
        
          | (6) Nonoperating plant | 2006 | 
        
          | (7) Goodwill | 2007 | 
        
          | (8) Less accumulated 
            depreciation | 3100 through 3300s | 
        
          | (9) Less accumulated 
            amortization | 3400 through 
      3600s | 
 
       
      Net worth means the sum of the balances of the following 
      accounts of the borrower:
      
      
      
      
        
        
          | Account Names | Number | 
        
          | (1) Capital stock | 4510 | 
        
          | (2) Additional paid-in 
            capital | 4520 | 
        
          | (3) Treasury stock | 4530 | 
        
          | (4) Other capital | 4540 | 
        
          | (5) Retained earnings | 4550 | 
 
       
      Qualified investment is defined in �1744.202(b).
      RE Act means the Rural Electrification Act of 1936, as amended 
      (7 U.S.C. 901 et seq. ).
      REA means the Rural Electrification Administration formerly an 
      agency of the United States Department of Agriculture and predecessor 
      agency to RUS with respect to administering certain electric and telephone 
      loan programs.
      RTB means the Rural Telephone Bank, an agency and 
      instrumentality of the United States within the United States Department 
      of Agriculture.
      Rural development investment is defined in �1744.202(d).
      RUS means the Rural Utilities Service, an agency of the United 
      States Department of Agriculture established pursuant to Section 232 of 
      the Federal Crop Insurance Reform and Department of Agriculture 
      Reorganization Act of 1994 (Pub. L. 103�354, 108 Stat. 3178), successor to 
      REA with respect to administering certain electric and telephone programs. 
      See 7 CFR 1700.1.
      RUS mortgage means the instrument creating a lien on or security 
      interest in the borrower's assets in connection with a loan made or 
      guaranteed under the RE Act.
      Total assets means the sum of the balances of the following 
      accounts of the borrower:
      
      
      
      
        
        
          | Account Names | Number | 
        
          | (1) Current assets | 1100s through 1300s | 
        
          | (2) Noncurrent assets | 1400s through 1500s | 
        
          | (3) Total 
            telecommunications plant | 2001 through 2007 | 
        
          | (4) Less accumulated 
            depreciation | 3100 through 3300s | 
        
          | (5) Less accumulated 
            amortization | 3400 through 
      3600s | 
 
       
      Uniform System of Accounts means the Federal Communications 
      Commission Uniform System of Accounts for Telecommunications Companies (47 
      CFR part 32) as supplemented by 7 CFR Part 1770, Accounting Requirements 
      for RUS Telephone Borrowers.
      [58 FR 52642, Oct. 12, 1993, as amended at 59 FR 66440, Dec. 27, 
      1994]
      � 1744.202   Borrowers may make qualified 
      investments without prior approval of the Administrator.
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      (a) A borrower that equals or exceeds the minimum total assets ratio 
      may make a qualified investment, defined in paragraph (b) of this section 
      without prior written approval of the Administrator.
      (b) A qualified investment is a rural development investment, defined 
      in paragraph (d) of this section meeting the following criteria:
      (1) Unless the borrower's commitment is a guarantee, extension of 
      credit, or advance, the borrower receives any financial return accruing to 
      such investment, or the borrower's proportionate share of such return;
      (2) Unless the borrower's commitment is a guarantee, extension of 
      credit, or advance, the borrower retains title to any asset acquired with 
      such investment, or the borrower's proportionate share of such title; 
      and
      (3) The funds committed are the borrower's own funds. As used in this 
      subpart, the term own funds shall not include proceeds of loans made, 
      guaranteed or lien accommodated by RUS; funds necessary to make timely 
      payments of principal and interest on loans made, guaranteed or lien 
      accommodated by RUS; and funds on deposit in the cash construction 
      fund-trustee account, as defined in the borrower's loan contract with 
      RUS.
      (c) A rural development investment will not be considered to be a 
      qualified investment to the extent that the amount of such investments 
      exceeds the borrower's maximum investment ratio.
      (d) A rural development investment is an investment, extension of 
      credit, advance, or guarantee by a borrower for a period longer than one 
      year and for one or more of the following purposes:
      (1) Improve the economic well-being of rural residents and alleviate 
      the problems of low income, elderly, minority, and otherwise disadvantaged 
      rural residents;
      (2) Improve the business and employment opportunities, occupational 
      training and employment services, health care services, educational 
      opportunities, energy utilization and availability, housing, 
      transportation, community services, community facilities, water supplies, 
      sewage and solid waste management systems, credit availability, and 
      accessibility to and delivery of private and public financial resources in 
      the maintenance and creation of jobs in rural areas;
      (3) Improve state and local government management capabilities, 
      institutions, and programs related to rural development and expand 
      educational and training opportunities for state and local officials, 
      particularly in small rural communities;
      (4) Strengthen the family farm system; or
      (5) Maintain and protect the environment and natural resources of rural 
      areas.
      (e) As used in paragraph (d) of this section, the term rural 
      development investment shall include investments by a borrower in its own 
      name, in affiliated companies, and in entities not affiliated with the 
      borrower.
      � 1744.203   Establishing amount of rural 
      development investment.
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      For purposes of determining whether a rural development investment is 
      within the limits of the borrower's maximum investment ratio or the 
      minimum total assets ratio, the amount of the qualified investment shall 
      be the total amount of funds committed to the rural development project as 
      of the date of determination. The total amount of funds committed to the 
      rural development project includes:
      (a) The principal amount of loans and advances made by the 
borrower;
      (b) Guarantees made by the borrower; and
      (c) A reasonable estimate of the amount the borrower is committed to 
      provide to the rural development project in future years.
      � 1744.204   Rural development investments that do 
      not meet the ratio requirements.
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      (a) Each borrower is authorized to make investments other than 
      qualified investments only in accordance with the provisions of the 
      borrower's mortgage with RUS. Without RUS's approval, the portion of any 
      investment of funds or commitment to invest funds for any rural 
      development investment that will exceed the borrower's maximum investment 
      ratio or cause the borrower to fall below the minimum total assets ratio, 
      must comply with the provisions of the RUS mortgage.
      (b) RUS will consider, on a case-by-case basis, requests for approval 
      of rural development investments not constituting qualified investments. 
      RUS may condition such approval, if granted, on such requirements and 
      restrictions as RUS may determine to be in the best interests of the 
      Government, including, without limitation, the borrower's agreement to 
      limit dividends or distributions of capital by an amount specified by RUS. 
      Requests for such approvals must be submitted in writing to the relevant 
      RUS regional office and shall include:
      (1) A description of the rural development project and the type of 
      investment to be made, such as a loan, guarantee, stock purchase or equity 
      investment;
      (2) A reasonable estimate of the amount the borrower is committed to 
      provide to the rural development project including investments that may be 
      required in the future; and
      (3) A pro forma balance sheet and cash flow statement for the period 
      covering the borrower's future commitments to the rural development 
      project.
      (c) In determining whether to approve a rural development investment 
      that may cause the borrower to exceed the maximum investment ratio or to 
      fall below the minimum total assets ratio in the future, RUS will consider 
      annual increases to the borrower's net worth and total assets as might be 
      reasonably anticipated from the borrower's normal operations.
      � 1744.205   Determinations and application of 
      limitations described in �1744.202.
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      (a) RUS will not include qualified investments, including qualified 
      investments in affiliated companies, in calculating the amount of dividend 
      or capital distributions a borrower may make under its RUS mortgage.
      (b) A borrower's investment in its net plant shall not be considered a 
      rural development investment for purposes of calculating the maximum 
      investment ratio or the minimum total assets ratio.
      (c) The borrower's net worth and total assets shall be determined using 
      the balances of the respective accounts of the borrower as of December 31 
      of the last complete calendar year preceding the date on which the 
      borrower's maximum investment ratio and minimum total assets ratio are 
      calculated.
      (d) All determinations required to be made under 7 U.S.C. 926 or this 
      subpart will be made in accordance with the Uniform System of Accounts 
      (USoA)(47 CFR part 32). References to specific USoA accounts shall include 
      revised or replacement accounts.
      � 1744.206   Effect of subsequent failure to 
      maintain ratios.
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      If an expenditure constitutes a qualified investment under the terms of 
      this subpart, it does not cease to be a qualified investment merely 
      because subsequently the borrower fails to maintain the maximum investment 
      ratio or the minimum total assets ratio.
      � 1744.207   Investment not to jeopardize loan 
      security.
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      A borrower shall not make a qualified investment or a rural development 
      investment which jeopardizes:
      (a) The security of loans made or guaranteed by RUS; or
      (b) The borrower's ability to repay such loans under the terms and 
      conditions as agreed.
      � 1744.208   Rural development investments before 
      November 28, 1990.
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      All investments made by a borrower shall be subject to the provisions 
      of this subpart, regardless of when the investment was made or whether it 
      has been approved by RUS. Any restrictions required by RUS as a condition 
      to approving a rural development investment before November 28, 1990, 
      shall continue to be in effect to the extent that such investment exceeds 
      the maximum investment ratio or causes the borrower to fall below the 
      minimum total assets ratio.
      � 1744.209   Records.
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      (a) The records of borrowers, including records relating to qualified 
      investments, shall be subject to the auditing procedures prescribed in 
      part 1773 of this chapter. RUS reserves the right to review the records of 
      the borrower relating to qualified investments to determine if the 
      borrower is in compliance with this subpart.
      (b) Borrowers shall report to RUS on the end-of-year operating report, 
      RUS Form 479, the current status and principal amount of each qualified 
      investment it has made or is committed to make pursuant to 
      �1744.202.
(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under 
      control number 0572�0098)
      � 1744.210   Effect of this subpart on RUS loan 
      contract and mortgage.
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      (a) Except as expressly provided in this subpart, the borrower shall 
      comply with all provisions of its loan contract with RUS, its notes issued 
      to RUS, and the RUS mortgage, including all provisions thereof relating to 
      investments not covered by this subpart.
      (b) Nothing in this subpart shall affect any rights of supplemental 
      lenders under the RUS mortgage, or other creditors of the borrower, to 
      limit a borrower's investments, loans and guarantees to levels below those 
      permitted in �1744.202.
      (c) As used in paragraph (b) of this section, supplemental lender means 
      a creditor of the borrower, other than RUS, whose loan to the borrower is 
      secured by the RUS mortgage.
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