A loan may be used by eligible organizations as defined in Sec. 1703.103 for distance learning and telemedicine projects to finance 100 percent of the cost of approved purposes contained in Sec. 1703.141 provided that no financial assistance may exceed the maximum amount for the year in which the loan is made. Entities seeking a loan must be able to provide security and execute a note with a maturity period greater than one year. The following entities are eligible for loans under this subpart:
(a) Organizations as defined in Sec. 1703.103. If a RUS telecommunications borrower is seeking a loan, the borrower does not need to submit all of the financial security information required by Sec. 1703.144(d). The borrower's latest financial report (Form 479) filed with RUS and any additional information relevant to the project, as determined by RUS, will suffice;
(b) Any non-profit or for-profit entity, public or private entity, urban or rural institution, or rural educational broadcaster, which proposes to provide and receive distance learning and telemedicine services to carry out the purposes of this subpart; or
(c) Any entity that contracts with an eligible organization in paragraphs (a) or (b) of this section for constructing distance learning or telemedicine facilities for the purposes contained in Sec. 1703.141, except for those purposes in Sec. 1703.141(h).
(d) Applicants must meet the minimum eligibility requirement for determining the extent to which the project serves rural areas as contained in Sec. 1703.126(b)(2) (the applicant must receive at least 20 points to be eligible to receive financial assistance under this subpart). [64 FR 14369, Mar. 25, 1999, as amended at 64 FR 25423, May 12, 1999]