Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 110 Part 1.djvu/1162

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110 STAT. 1138 PUBLIC LAW 104-127—APR. 4, 1996 than voting on a grant, loan, contract, agreement, budget, or annual strategic plan. "(h) CONSULTATION. — To carry out this section, the Board may consult with— "(1) State departments of agriculture; "(2) Federal departments and agencies; "(3) nonprofit development corporations; "(4) colleges and universities; "(5) banking and other credit-related agencies; "(6) agriculture and agribusiness organizations; and "(7) regional planning and development organizations. " (i) OVERSIGHT.— "(1) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary shall review and monitor compliance by the Board and the Center with this section. "(2) SANCTIONS. — If, following notice and opportunity for a hearing, the Secretary finds that the Board or the Center is not in compliance with this section, the Secretary may— "(A) cease making deposits to the Fund; "(B) suspend the authority of the Center to withdraw funds from the Fund; or "(C) impose other appropriate sanctions, including recoupment of money improperly expended for purposes prohibited or not authorized by this Act and disqualification from receipt of financial assistance under this section. "(3) RESCISSION OF SANCTIONS.— The Secretary shall rescind sanctions imposed under paragraph (2) on a finding by the Secretary that there is no longer any failure by the Board or the Center to comply with this section or that the noncompliance will be promptly corrected.". SEC. 759A. COOPERATIVE AGREEMENTS. Section 607(b) of the Rural Development Act of 1972 (7 U.S.C. 2204b(b)) is amended by striking paragraph (4) and inserting the following: " (4) COOPERATIVE AGREEMENTS.— " (A) IN GENERAL.— Notwithstanding chapter 63 of title 31, United States Code, the Secretary may enter into cooperative agreements with other Federal agencies. State and local governments, and any other organization or individual to improve the coordination and effectiveness of Federal programs, services, and actions affecting rural areas, including the establishment and financing of interagency groups, if the Secretary determines that the objectives of the agreement will serve the mutual interest of the parties in rural development activities. "(B) COOPERATORS.—Each cooperator, including each Federal agency, to the extent that funds are otherwise available, may participate in any cooperative agreement or working group established pursuant to this paragraph by contributing funds or other resources to the Secretary to carry out the agreement or functions of the group.". SEC. 759B. ELIGIBILITY FOR GRANTS TO BROADCASTING SYSTEMS. Section 310B(f) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1932(f)) (as redesignated by section 747(a)(6)) is amended by striking "SYSTEMS.— The" and inserting "SYSTEMS.— "(1) DEFINITION OF STATEWIDE.— In this subsection, the term 'statewide' means having a coverage area of not less