(a) In generalThe Secretary shall provide grants or zero interest loans to borrowers under this chapter for the purpose of promoting rural economic development and job creation projects, including funding for project feasibility studies, start-up costs, incubator projects, and other reasonable expenses for the purpose of fostering rural development.
(b) RepaymentsIn the case of zero interest loans, the Secretary shall establish such reasonable repayment terms as will encourage borrower participation.
(c) ProceedsAll proceeds from the repayment of such loans made under this section shall be returned to the subaccount that the Secretary shall maintain in accordance with sections 940c(b)(2) and 940c–2(f) of this title.
(d) Number of grantsLoans and grants required under this section shall be made to the full extent of the amounts made available under subsection (e).
(e) Funding(1) Discretionary fundingIn addition to other funds that are available to carry out this section, there is authorized to be appropriated not more than $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2019 through 2023 to carry out this section, to remain available until expended.
(2) Mandatory fundingOf the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation, the Secretary shall credit to the subaccount to use for the cost of grants and loans under this section $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2022 and 2023, to remain available until expended.
(3) Other fundsIn addition to the funds described in paragraphs (1) and (2), the Secretary shall use, without fiscal year limitation, to provide grants and loans under this section—(A) the interest differential sums credited to the subaccount described in subsection (c); and
(B) subject to section 940c–1(e)(2) of this title, the fees described in subsection (c)(4) of such section.
(f) Maintenance of accountThe Secretary shall maintain the subaccount described in section 940c(b)(2) of this title, as in effect in fiscal year 2017, for purposes of carrying out this section.
Structure US Code
CHAPTER 31— RURAL ELECTRIFICATION AND TELEPHONE SERVICE
SUBCHAPTER III— RURAL ELECTRIC AND TELEPHONE DIRECT LOAN PROGRAMS
§ 930. Congressional declaration of policy
§ 931. Rural Electrification and Telephone Revolving Fund
§ 931a. Level of loan programs under Rural Electrification and Telephone Revolving Fund
§ 932. Liabilities and uses of Rural Electrification and Telephone Revolving Fund
§ 933. Moneys in the Rural Electrification and Telephone Revolving Fund
§ 935. Insured loans; interest rates and lending levels
§ 936b. Sale or prepayment of direct or insured loans
§ 936c. Refinancing and prepayment of FFB loans
§ 936d. Eligibility of distribution borrowers for loans, loan guarantees, and lien accommodations
§ 936e. Administrative prohibitions applicable to certain electric borrowers
§ 936f. Substantially underserved trust areas
§ 937. Loans from other credit sources
§ 938. Full faith and credit of the United States
§ 939. Loan terms and conditions
§ 940. Refinancing of rural development loans
§ 940c. Cushion of credit payments program
§ 940c–1. Guarantees for bonds and notes issued for electrification or telephone purposes
§ 940c–2. Rural development loans and grants
§ 940e. Expansion of 911 access
§ 940f. Extension of period of existing guarantee