PUBLIC LAW 104-127—APR. 4, 1996 110 STAT. 1111 equipment, computer network components, telecommunications terminal equipment, telecommunications transmission facilities, data terminal equipment, or interactive video equipment, or other facilities that would further telemedicine services or distance learning services; "(3) providing technical assistance and instruction for the development or use of the programming, equipment, or facilities referred to in paragraphs (1) and (2); or "(4) other uses that are consistent with this chapter, as determined by the Secretary. "(g) SALARIES AND EXPENSES. —Notwithstanding subsection (f), financial assistance provided under this chapter shall not be used for paying salaries or administrative expenses. " (h) EXPEDITING COORDINATED TELEPHONE LOANS. — "(1) IN GENERAL.— The Secretary may establish and carry out procedures to ensure that expedited consideration and determination is given to applications for loans and advances of funds submitted by local exchange carriers under this chapter and the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 901 et seq.) to enable the exchange carriers to provide advanced telecommunications services in rural areas in conjunction with any other projects carried out under this chapter. "(2) DEADLINE IMPOSED ON SECRETARY. —Not later than 45 days after the receipt of a completed application for an expedited telephone loan under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall notify the applicant in writing of the decision of the Secretary regarding the application. " (i) NOTIFICATION OF LOCAL EXCHANGE CARRIER. — "(1) APPLICANTS.— Each applicant for a grant for a telemedicine or distance learning project established under this chapter shall notify the appropriate local telephone exchange carrier regarding the application filed with the Secretary for the grant. "(2) SECRETARY.— The Secretary shall— "(A) publish notice of applications received for grants under this chapter for telemedicine or distance learning projects; and "(B) make the applications available for inspection. "SEC. 2334. ADMINISTRATION. "(a) NONDUPLICATION. —The Secretary shall ensure that facilities constructed using financial assistance provided under this chapter do not duplicate adequate established telemedicine services or distance learning services. "(b) LOAN MATURITY. —The maturities of cost of money loans shall be determined by the Secretary, based on the useful life of the facility being financed, except that the loan shall not be for a period of more than 10 years. "(c) LOAN SECURITY AND FEASIBILITY.—The Secretary shall make a cost of money loan only if the Secretary determines that the security for the loan is reasonably adequate and that the loan will be repaid within the period of the loan. "(d) ENCOURAGING CONSORTIA.— The Secretary shall encourage the development of consortia to provide telemedicine services or distance learning services through telecommunications in rural areas served by a telecommunications provider. Notification. 7 USC 950aaa-3.
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