110 STAT. 1588 PUBLIC LAW 104-180—AUG. 6, 1996 In addition, for administrative expenses necessary to carry out the direct and guaranteed loan programs, $29,982,000, whicn shall be transferred to and merged with the appropriation for "Salaries and Expenses.". RURAL TELEPHONE BANK PROGRAM ACCOUNT The Rural Telephone Bank is hereby authorized to make such expenditures, within the limits of funds available to such corporation in accord with law, and to make such contracts and commitments without regard to fiscal year limitations as provided by section 104 of the Government Corporation Control Act, as amended, as may be necessary in carrying out its authorized programs for the current fiscal year. During fiscal year 1997 and within the resources and authority available, gross obligations for the principad amount of direct loans shall be $175,000,000. For the cost, as defined in section 502 of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974, including the cost of modifying loans, of direct loans authorized by the Rural Electrification Act of 1936, as amended (7 U.S.C. 935), $2,328,000. In addition, for administrative expenses necessary to carry out the loan programs, $3,500,000. DISTANCE LEARNING AND MEDICAL LINK PROGRAM For the cost of direct loans and grants, as authorized by 7 U.S.C. 950aaa et seq., as amended, $9,000,000, to remain available until expended, to be available for loans and grants for telemedicine and distance learning services in rural areas: Provided, That the costs of direct loans shall be as defined in section 502 of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974. RURAL UTILITIES ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS) For the cost of direct loans, loan guarantees, and grants, as authorized by 7 U.S.C. 1926, 1928, and 1932, except for 381E, 381H, 381N of the ConsoUdated Farm and Rural Development Act, $566,935,000, to remain available until expended, for direct loans and loan guarantees and grants for rural water and waste disposal, and solid waste management grants of the Rural Utilities Service: Provided, That the cost of direct loans and loan guarantees shall be as defined in section 502 of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974, as amended: Provided further. That the amounts appropriated shall be transferred to loan program and grant accounts as determined by the Secretary: Provided further. That, through June 30, 1997, of the total amount appropriated, $18,700,000 shall be avsdlable for the costs of direct loans, loan gueirantees, and grants to be made available for empowerment zones and enterprise communities, as authorized by Public Law 103-66: Provided further. That, of the total amount appropriated, not to exceed $18,700,000 shall be for water and waste disposal systems to benefit the Colonias along the United States/Mexico border, including grants pursuant to section 306C of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act, as amended: Provided further. That, of the total amount appropriated, not to exceed $5,200,000 shall be available for contracting with qualified national organizations for a circuit rider program
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