110 STAT. 2880 PUBLIC LAW 104-204—SEPT. 26, 1996 GRANTS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF STATE VETERANS CEMETERIES For grants to aid States in establishing, expanding, or improving State veteran cemeteries as authorized by 38 U.S.C. 2408, $1,000,000, to remain available until expended. FRANCHISE FUND (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS) 31 USC 501 note. There is hereby established in the Treasury a franchise fund pilot, as authorized by section 403 of Public Law 103-356, to be available as provided in such section for expenses and equipment necessary for the maintenance and operation of such administrative services as the Secretary determines may be performed more advantageously as centred services: Provided, That any inventories, equipment and other assets pertaining to the services to be provided by the franchise fund, either on hand or on order, less the related liabilities or unpaid obligations, and any appropriations made hereafter for the purpose of providing capital, shall be used to capitalize the franchise fund: Provided further. That the franchise fund may be paid in advance from funds available to the Department and other Federed agencies for which such centralized services are performed, at rates which will return in full all expenses of operation, including accrued leave, depreciation of fund plant and equipment, amortization of automated data processing (ADP) software and systems (either acquired or donated), and an amount necessary to maintain a reasonable operating reserve, as determined by the Secretary: Provided further. That the franchise fund shall provide services on a competitive basis: Provided further. That an amount not to exceed four percent of the total annual income to such fund may be retained in the fund for fiscal year 1997 and each fiscal year thereafter, to remain available until expended, to be used for the acquisition of capital equipment and for the improvement and implementation of Departmental financial management, ADP, and other support systems: Provided further. That no later than thirty days after the end of each fiscal year amounts in excess of this reserve limitation shall be transferred to the Treasury: Provided further. That such franchise fund pilot shall terminate pursuant to section 403(f) of Public Law 103-356. ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS) SEC. 101. Any appropriation for 1997 for "Compensation and pensions", "Readjustment benefits", and "Veterans insurance and indemnities" may be transferred to any other of the mentioned appropriations. SEC. 102. Appropriations available to the Department of Veterans Affairs for 1997 for salaries and expenses shall be available for services authorized by 5 U.S.C. 3109. SEC. 103. No appropriations in this Act for the Department of Veterans Affairs (except the appropriations for "Construction, major projects", "Construction, minor projects", and the "Parking revolving fund") shall be available for the purchase of any site for or toward the construction of any new hospital or home.
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