[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 230 (Friday, December 1, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 57034-57063]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-25277]



[[Page 57033]]

Vol. 82

Friday,

No. 230

December 1, 2017

Part II





Department of Commerce





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Economic Development Administration





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13 CFR Parts 300, 301, 302, et al.





Revolving Loan Fund Program Changes and General Updates to PWEDA 
Regulations; Final Rule

  Federal Register / Vol. 82 , No. 230 / Friday, December 1, 2017 / 
Rules and Regulations  

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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

Economic Development Administration

13 CFR Parts 300, 301, 302, 303, 304, 305, 307, 309, and 314

[Docket No.: 160519444-7133-01]
RIN 0610-AA69


Revolving Loan Fund Program Changes and General Updates to PWEDA 
Regulations

AGENCY: Economic Development Administration, U.S. Department of 
Commerce.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The Economic Development Administration (``EDA''), U.S. 
Department of Commerce (``DOC''), is issuing this final rule amending 
the agency's regulations implementing the Public Works and Economic 
Development Act of 1965, as amended (``PWEDA''). The changes 
incorporate current best practices and strengthen EDA's efforts to 
evaluate, monitor, and improve performance within the agency's 
Revolving Loan Fund (``RLF'') program by establishing the Risk Analysis 
System, a risk-based management framework, to evaluate and manage the 
RLF program. To make RLF awards more efficient for Recipients to 
administer and EDA to monitor, EDA is also reorganizing the RLF 
regulations and making changes to improve readability and clarify those 
requirements that apply to the distinct phases of an RLF award. In 
addition, EDA is updating other parts of its regulations, including 
revising definitions, replacing references to superseded regulations to 
reflect the promulgation of the Uniform Administrative Requirements, 
Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (``Uniform 
Guidance''), streamlining the provisions that outline EDA's application 
process, and clarifying EDA's property management regulations.

DATES: This rule is effective on January 2, 2018.

ADDRESSES: EDA posted all public comments received on the Federal 
Rulemaking Portal, www.regulations.gov, without change. For 
convenience, after the final rule becomes effective, EDA will update 
the full text of EDA's regulations, as amended, and post it on EDA's 
Web site at https://www.eda.gov/about/regulations.htm.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ryan Servais, Attorney Advisor, Office 
of the Chief Counsel, Economic Development Administration, U.S. 
Department of Commerce, 1401 Constitution Avenue NW., Suite 72023, 
Washington, DC 20230; telephone: (202) 482-5325.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Department notes that the President's 
Fiscal Year 2018 Budget calls for the elimination of EDA. The 
Department considers this final rule important to implement because the 
Department would need to continue to administer and monitor RLF grants 
in perpetuity under current statutory authorities. The regulatory 
changes in this final rule will enable the Department to more 
efficiently manage the residual RLF portfolio going forward. Likewise, 
additional changes made by this final rule to EDA's general PWEDA 
implementing regulations would enable the Department to more 
effectively oversee the non-RLF residual grant portfolio to ensure that 
grantees continue to use projects for the purpose originally funded and 
to eventually execute releases of the federal interest in the property 
at the expiration of the useful life, often 20 years after the date of 
the grant award.

Background

    EDA leads the Federal economic development agenda by promoting 
innovation and competitiveness, preparing American regions for growth 
and success in the worldwide economy. Through strategic investments 
that foster job creation and attract private investment, EDA supports 
development in economically distressed areas of the United States.
    Authorized under section 209 of the Public Works and Economic 
Development Act of 1965 (``PWEDA'') (42 U.S.C. 3149) the RLF program 
serves as an important pillar of EDA's investment programs by helping 
communities and regions transform their economies and propel them 
towards economic prosperity through innovation, entrepreneurship, and 
public-private partnerships. Through the RLF program, EDA provides 
grants to eligible Recipients, which include State and local 
governments, political subdivisions, and non-profit organizations, to 
operate a lending program that makes loans to businesses that cannot 
obtain traditional bank financing and to governmental entities for 
public infrastructure. These loans enable small businesses to expand 
and lead to new employment opportunities that pay competitive wages and 
benefits. They also help retain jobs that might otherwise be lost, 
create wealth, and support minority and women-owned businesses.
    Each RLF Recipient contributes matching funds in accordance with 
EDA's statutory requirements to capitalize an RLF. As loans made from 
this original pool of EDA and Recipient funds are repaid, the RLF is 
replenished and new loans are extended to qualified businesses. Loans 
can also be provided to governmental entities for eligible public 
infrastructure. Each RLF Recipient must develop and maintain an RLF 
Plan to demonstrate how the fund fits specific economic development 
goals and how it will adequately administer the RLF throughout its 
lifecycle. The RLF Recipient's obligation to manage the RLF continues 
in perpetuity because, absent statutory authority providing otherwise, 
under current law the Federal Interest in the RLF never expires.
    Since February 1, 2011, EDA has taken a critical and comprehensive 
look-back at its regulations to reduce burdens by removing outmoded 
provisions and streamlining and clarifying requirements. On December 
19, 2014, EDA published a final rule that became effective on January 
20, 2015 (79 FR 76108) (``January 2015 Final Rule'') revising the 
agency's regulations and reflecting the agency's contemporaneous 
practices and policies in administering its economic development 
assistance programs. Through the January 2015 Final Rule, EDA 
reorganized part 307 to help clarify award requirements and incorporate 
all RLF program requirements under subpart B to part 307.
    On October 3, 2016, EDA published a notice of proposed rulemaking 
(``NPRM'') in the Federal Register (81 FR 68186) requesting public 
comments on additional proposed changes to its regulations with a 
particular focus on revisions to those provisions related to RLFs. The 
public comment period closed on December 2, 2016, and EDA received 103 
submissions. This final rule responds to each of those comments, makes 
seven changes to the proposed regulatory language in response to the 
comments, and sets forth the finalized set of regulations. 
Additionally, because this final rule lessens the costs to RLF 
Recipients to comply with EDA RLF regulations as described in the 
Classification section, this final rule is a ``deregulatory action'' 
pursuant to the April 5, 2017, OMB guidance memorandum implementing 
Executive Order 13771.

[[Page 57035]]

Public Comments and Summary of Differences Between the NPRM and the 
Final Rule

    In response to the NPRM, EDA received a total of 103 submissions, 
inclusive of 73 comments received during a November 15, 2016 
informational webinar about the NPRM. The 103 submissions addressed a 
total of 29 discrete issues. After careful consideration of the 
comments received, EDA has made seven changes to the proposed 
regulations contained in the NPRM. EDA's responses to the comments and 
the specific changes made to the final rule are summarized below.

Part One: Issues That Resulted in Changes to the NPRM Regulatory 
Language

Issue One: Renewal of Commitments Under a Comprehensive Economic 
Development Strategy (CEDS)
    In the NPRM, EDA added language to Sec.  303.6(b)(3)(ii) that a 
Planning Organization, in connection with the required submission of a 
revised CEDS at least every five years, ``must obtain renewed 
commitments from participating counties or other areas within the 
District to support the economic development activities of the 
District.'' One non-profit commenter suggested that the last sentence 
should instead read, ``The Planning Organization shall use its best 
efforts to obtain renewed commitments from participating counties or 
other areas within the District. . . .'' The commenter also wanted EDA 
to add another sentence at the end ``that states that the inability to 
secure renewed commitments shall not be a disqualifying event for 
preparation or approval of the CEDS.''
    The intent of the new language was to emphasize that for an 
Economic Development District (EDD) to be successful, participating 
counties or other areas should be active contributors to the 
development and implementation of the CEDS. Unfortunately, involvement 
by these counties and areas in the CEDS process and awareness of its 
associated implementation efforts may wane over time. EDA views these 
possible scenarios as both detrimental to regional economic development 
and to the value and importance of the CEDS itself. However, because 
the intent of this new language is to make sure all jurisdictions are 
aware of the CEDS and its value, not to necessarily disqualify a CEDS, 
EDA is modifying the proposed Sec.  303.6(b)(3)(ii) language to 
incorporate the requester's suggestions. The final rule now provides 
that in connection with the submission of a new or revised CEDS, the 
Planning Organization shall use its best efforts to obtain renewed 
commitments from participating counties or other areas within the 
District to support the economic development activities of the 
District. Provided the Planning Organization can document a good faith 
effort to obtain renewed commitments, the inability to secure renewed 
commitments shall not disqualify a CEDS update.
Issue Two: Definition of Capital Base
    Two comments request that we add language to the proposed 
definition of ``RLF Capital Base'' to clarify that the RLF Capital Base 
excludes eligible administrative expenses. While the second sentence of 
the definition addresses administrative costs associated with RLF 
operations, it does so in the context of the two forms in which the RLF 
Capital Base is maintained (RLF Cash Available for Lending and 
outstanding loan principal).
    EDA agrees that additional language in the second sentence of this 
definition would help clarify the fact that RLF Income used for 
eligible and reasonable administrative expenses is excluded from the 
definition although it is further explained in Sec.  307.12(a). 
Accordingly, EDA has revised the definition in Sec.  307.8 to state 
that RLF Capital Base means the total value of RLF Grant assets 
administered by the RLF Recipient. It is equal to the amount of Grant 
funds used to capitalize (and recapitalize, if applicable) the RLF, 
plus Local Share, plus RLF Income less any eligible and reasonable 
administrative expenses, plus Voluntarily Contributed Capital, less any 
loan losses and disallowances. Except as used to pay for eligible and 
reasonable administrative costs associated with the RLF's operations, 
the RLF Capital Base is maintained in two forms at all times: As RLF 
Cash Available for Lending and as outstanding loan principal.
Issue Three: Excluding Committed/Approved Loans Not Yet Funded From 
Allowable Cash Percentage
    One non-profit commenter requested that EDA add language to the new 
definition of ``RLF Cash Available for Lending'' in Sec.  307.8 to 
ensure that loans that have been committed or approved but not yet 
funded are not counted as RLF Cash Available for Lending when 
calculating the Allowable Cash Percentage for each regional portfolio.
    EDA agrees with this comment and is revising the definition of 
``RLF Cash Available for Lending'' in the final rule to exclude loans 
that have been committed or approved but not yet funded.
Issue Four: Auditor Certification of Accounting System
    EDA received one comment from a professional organization regarding 
the ongoing requirement for auditor certification of a Recipient's 
accounting system. In the NPRM, we proposed to move from Sec.  
307.15(b) to Sec.  307.11(a) (``Pre-disbursement requirements'') the 
requirement that a qualified independent accountant certify as to the 
adequacy of the RLF Recipient's accounting system to identify, 
safeguard, and account for the entire RLF Capital Base, outstanding RLF 
loans, and other RLF operations. EDA proposed no substantive changes to 
this requirement other than to update references to 2 CFR part 200.
    The comment EDA received regarding this requirement expressed 
concern that this requirement is unclear regarding the level of effort 
that would be needed by an accountant to issue a certification that an 
accounting system is ``adequate.'' The comment asserted that without 
clearer guidance as to the meaning of this standard, accountants would 
be unable to comply with their obligation to ``obtain sufficient 
relevant data to afford a reasonable basis for conclusions or 
recommendations in relation to any professional services performed.''
    EDA is persuaded that the language, as proposed, is not 
sufficiently clear to enable accountants to meet their mandate. 
However, EDA also believes that it is important to ensure that RLF 
Recipients are aware of their Federal financial management requirements 
and responsibilities. As such, EDA is revising Sec.  307.11(a)(i) to 
require self-certification from the Recipient that the Recipient's 
accounting system meets the established criteria. This change will 
serve to increase the awareness of the need to maintain proper 
accounting systems to account for Federal funds while addressing the 
concerns raised regarding accountants' ability to meet their mandate 
under the proposed language. In addition, the adoption of the Risk 
Analysis System will increase EDA's ability to monitor Recipients' 
financial controls throughout the life of the RLF grant, providing an 
additional tool for ensuring compliance with these requirements.
Issue Five: Use of RLF Income During the Disbursement Phase
    EDA received one comment expressing confusion regarding the change 
in the language related to the use of RLF Income earned during the

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Disbursement Phase. The commenter stated its understanding that any RLF 
Income not used for administrative costs becomes part of the RLF 
Capital Base and must be loaned out to borrowers as RLF loans.
    EDA believes this comment may be conflating the Disbursement and 
Revolving Phases. Immediately following the initial award of an RLF 
Grant, RLF Recipients may request drawdowns from EDA and submit 
appropriate evidence documenting the basis for those requests. This is 
known as the Disbursement Phase and is described in the Definitions 
section of the regulations (Sec.  307.8) and in Sec.  307.11 (``Pre-
disbursement requirements and disbursement of funds to Revolving Loan 
Funds'').
    The previous regulations specified that RLF Income held to 
reimburse administrative costs did not need to be disbursed in order to 
draw additional Grant funds, but they did not address how to handle RLF 
Income not used for administrative costs. As such, the NPRM proposed 
revising Sec.  307.11(c) to clarify that RLF Income earned during the 
Disbursement Phase must be placed in the RLF Capital Base and may be 
used to reimburse eligible and reasonable administrative costs but need 
not be disbursed to support new loans, unless otherwise specified in 
the terms and conditions of the RLF Grant. EDA felt that this revision 
was clear that it applied to the Disbursement Phase and not to the 
Revolving Phase, the phase in which most RLF Recipients are currently 
operating and during which they are no longer requesting drawdowns for 
a specific RLF Grant.
    Nevertheless, EDA feels that it can provide additional clarity to 
this section by also addressing how repaid loan principal should be 
handled during the Disbursement Phase and stressing that, like RLF 
Income earned during this Phase, it need not be used for new loans 
unless otherwise specified. As a result, EDA added the words, ``and 
principal repaid'' to the fourth sentence of Sec.  307.11(c).
Issue Six: Applying Allowable Cash Percentage to Recipients Based on 
Their Fiscal Year
    Eleven commenters requested that the Allowable Cash Percentage be 
applied to RLF Recipients on a cycle that matches their Fiscal Year 
instead of the schedule proposed in the NPRM of notifying Recipients by 
January 1 of each year of the Allowable Cash Percentage to be applied 
during the ensuing calendar year.
    EDA is sympathetic to this concern in light of the differences 
between Recipients with varying Fiscal Years. In order to ensure that 
all Recipients have sufficient amount of time to comply with the 
Allowable Cash Percentage for their individual regions, EDA has changed 
proposed Sec.  307.17(b) to now state that EDA shall notify each RLF 
Recipient by January 1 of each year of the Allowable Cash Percentage to 
be applied to lending during the Recipient's ensuing fiscal year, 
rather than calendar year, beginning on or after January 1.
Issue Seven: Loan Quality Review
    EDA received one comment regarding a regulatory provision for which 
no substantive change was recommended in the NPRM. Section 307.17(d), 
which was re-lettered from Sec.  307.17(c), allows EDA to require an 
independent third party to conduct a compliance and loan quality review 
for an RLF Grant every three years. If required, this review is 
considered an administrative cost in accordance with the requirements 
set forth in Sec.  307.12. The commenter suggests that this requirement 
creates redundancy, adds to the demands of what are already limited 
funds, and should be unnecessary with implementation of the Risk 
Analysis System.
    EDA agreed with this comment and believes that this type of review 
can be accomplished through other mechanisms that are currently 
available, such as through a desk audit, site visit, or the regular 
audit process. Further, this provision has rarely been invoked in 
recent years, and so EDA identified this dormant section of the RLF 
regulations as appropriate for removal in an effort to further 
streamline EDA's regulations. As a result, EDA has removed this 
paragraph in its entirety.

Part Two: Issues That Did Not Result in Changes to the Final Rule

    Aside from the issues described above, EDA received comments on 22 
issues that did not result in changes to the proposed regulations. The 
comments received on these issues are presented below along with our 
responses.
Issue Eight: Definition of Subrecipient
    One non-profit commenter requested that EDA address in the Sec.  
300.3 definition of ``Subrecipient'' whether the Investment Assistance 
requirements that apply to a Recipient flow down to a Subrecipient. The 
commenter also argued that the ``Recipient and Subrecipient should have 
the flexibility to define the obligations of each other in their own 
contract/agreement documentation.''
    The Uniform Guidance defines the Recipient-Subrecipient 
relationship in 2 CFR 200.330-200.332. Generally, a Subrecipient is 
bound by the same terms and conditions that bind the Recipient plus any 
additional requirements the Recipient imposes. See 2 CFR 200.331. 
Because the issue raised by the commenter is already addressed in the 
Uniform Guidance, EDA will not make any changes to the definition of 
``Subrecipient,'' as proposed.
Issue Nine: Clarification of Acceptable Alternatives to CEDS
    EDA proposed language modifying Sec.  303.7(c)(1) to clarify that 
EDA would accept a non-EDA funded CEDS that does not meet the four 
foundational elements of a CEDS in particular circumstances, such as a 
natural disaster or sudden and severe economic dislocation. A non-
profit commenter requests further clarification in the final rule on 
what specific types of plans would be accepted in these circumstances.
    While EDA understands the desire for more specificity, EDA has 
determined that the flexibility provided by the proposed language 
should be maintained in the final version of the regulations. In times 
of natural or man-made disasters or other sudden or severe events, EDA 
needs to be responsive to economic recovery needs. EDA's experience 
demonstrates that time is of the essence in these circumstances and EDA 
needs the flexibility to move forward quickly with whatever 
documentation is available at the time. In such situations EDA would 
also typically notify an applicant of any areas in their plan that 
might need to be included to meet the CEDS equivalent requirement and 
allow the entity to subsequently make changes to their planning 
document (if applicable).
Issue Ten: Definitions of Real Property and Project Property
    EDA proposed a simplified definition of Real Property and new 
definition of Project Property in the NPRM. One non-profit commenter 
felt that both definitions in Sec.  314.1 are over broad and could lead 
to takings in violation of the Fifth Amendment to the U.S. 
Constitution. The commenter specifically proposed that the Real 
Property definition be limited to those Properties directly, as opposed 
to consequentially, benefitted by EDA Investment Assistance so non-
participating Property is not encumbered. The commenter went on to 
argue that, ``[a]lthough the definition may work for certain off-site 
improvements (wastewater plant), and

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the recording of the reversionary interest may be prudent for the 
improvement site and any direct beneficiaries that were tied to the 
project and included in the grant, it is not appropriate to burden all 
properties via a blanket assertion of benefit.'' The commenter 
similarly believed that the new definition of Project Property vests 
too much discretion in EDA to determine whether property that is 
acquired or improved with Investment Assistance is deemed integral to 
the Project and thus encumbered. The commenter urged EDA to adopt clear 
determining criteria and require landowner consent prior to EDA making 
such a determination.
    EDA disagrees with the commenter's position. Application of these 
definitions would not result in takings under the Fifth Amendment 
because EDA is not physically seizing or devaluing private property 
without just compensation. In fact, quite the opposite is happening: 
EDA is benefitting the Property (likely resulting in an increase in 
value). However, because the funds involved are Federal, EDA must 
protect the Investment by way of an encumbrance that reflects the value 
of EDA's Investment. The definition of ``Real Property'' in Sec.  314.1 
supports this proposition because EDA only encumbers Property ``. . . 
where the infrastructure contributes to the value of such land as a 
specific purpose of the Project'', not Properties that might be 
``consequentially'' benefitted by Investment Assistance. Further, the 
proposed definition of ``Real Property'' is not substantially different 
than EDA's prior definition, just simpler, and EDA has not had taking 
issues in the past. Land that is integral to the specific purpose of 
the Project, and thus would benefit from the Investment, is 
meticulously defined in the application and contemplated by the 
Recipient at the time of award. In no event would this result in a 
taking given these circumstances.
    Additionally, EDA cannot narrow the definition of Real Property in 
the manner proposed by the commenter for two reasons. First, EDA has to 
ensure that the definition appropriately captures all types of Property 
(e.g., fixtures, appurtenances) that EDA may need to encumber under its 
numerous PWEDA programs if that Property has benefitted as a result 
EDA's Investment. Second, EDA at times needs to impose restrictions on 
benefitted Property to avoid situations where an applicant attempts to 
pass-through EDA Investment Assistance funds to an ineligible entity. 
In fact, EDA's definition actually creates more flexibility and more 
opportunities for Recipients by allowing EDA to invest in Projects that 
would otherwise be barred by such pass-through considerations.
    In a similar vein, EDA has determined that the amount of discretion 
provided by the definition of Project Property is appropriate given the 
need to appropriately define the scope of EDA's Investment and to then 
protect that Investment. Identifying those components that are required 
for the successful completion and operation of a Project and/or serve 
as the economic justification of a Project, is a necessary step to 
ensuring the success of a Project over its entire useful life. The 
applicant is protected from any takings because these elements are, 
again, identified in the application and contemplated by the Recipient 
at the time of award.
    In light of the above considerations, EDA is not making any changes 
to the definitions of Real Property or Project Property in the final 
rule.
Issue Eleven: Constraints on RLF Lending
    One commenter states that our current RLF regulations create what 
is in effect a niche lending program that constrains loan applicant 
eligibility. The commenter cites leveraging, job creation, and 
portfolio allocation requirements as examples of these constraints. The 
comment expresses the opinion that it would be good to revise these 
criteria to ensure that more money reaches borrowers.
    EDA disagrees that the RLF regulations unduly constrain loan 
applicant eligibility. EDA affords RLF Recipients a great deal of 
flexibility in the design of their RLF Plans. Within the RLF Plan, 
Recipients dictate the appropriate job creation/retention criteria, 
portfolio allocation, and other portfolio standards and loan selection 
criteria. The leveraging requirement of $2 of additional investment for 
each dollar of EDA RLF funding is dictated by EDA regulation and 
applies to the Recipient's RLF portfolio as a whole. Nevertheless, 
through this final rule, EDA is actually broadening the types of funds 
that may be used to meet this requirement by enabling Recipients to use 
funds from State and local lending programs, and the non-guaranteed 
portions and 90 percent of the guaranteed portions of Federal loan 
programs. See Sec.  307.15(c). In addition, if a Recipient would like 
to change its RLF Plan in an effort to reach more potential borrowers, 
it may submit an updated Plan for review and approval by EDA. As such, 
EDA is making no additional changes to the criteria raised by this 
commenter.
Issue Twelve: Effective Date of Regulatory Changes
    EDA received eight comments asking when these regulatory changes 
would become effective, particularly with regard to the RLF program. 
Some of the commenters queried whether there should or would be a delay 
as a result of the transition to a new Presidential Administration. 
Others asked if the changes would be implemented in phases, whether 
they would become effective in Fiscal Year 2017, and when the first 
round of risk analysis ratings would be assigned.
    As indicated above, these regulatory changes are the result of a 
long-term effort by EDA to update and streamline all of our regulations 
and to adopt industry best practices in an effort to strengthen and 
improve the RLF program. It is our view that these efforts are critical 
to the continued vitality of EDA's programs and, as such, any delay 
would jeopardize our ability to provide effective oversight over 
programs that have historically helped to create jobs and spur economic 
growth, especially in distressed areas.
    As is the normal time frame for most regulations, these regulations 
will become effective 30 days after publication. EDA has issued a 
separate Federal Register notice concurrently with this final rule 
seeking comment on the performance measures that EDA is proposing to 
use for the initial round of scoring under the Risk Analysis System. We 
have published the final regulations at the same time as the notice on 
the Risk Analysis System to ensure timely stakeholder engagement and 
feedback as we prepare to implement this new approach.
    As is described in that notice and in the NPRM, the Risk Analysis 
System is modeled on the Uniform Financial Institutions Rating System, 
commonly known as the capital adequacy, assets, management capability, 
earnings, liquidity, and sensitivity (``CAMELS'') rating system, which 
has been used since 1979 to assess financial institutions on a uniform 
basis and to identify those in need of additional attention. EDA's 
proposed measures reflect the categories underlying the CAMELS approach 
for assessing the health of financial institutions but are based on 
data currently submitted by Recipients in their semi-annual reporting. 
Through the notice, EDA is soliciting feedback from the public on those 
measures. EDA will consider that feedback as it finalizes the measures 
to be used for scoring and determines the timeline for implementing the 
Risk Analysis approach. EDA will then

[[Page 57038]]

conduct active public outreach to inform all of our stakeholders on the 
measures, the process for assessing Recipients, and when the first 
round of scores will be assigned and communicated to Recipients.
Issue Thirteen: Releasing the Federal Interest in an RLF
    Fourteen commenters requested that EDA release the Federal interest 
in an RLF after a specified period of time. Many of our Recipients 
express concern with the cost and time required to continue to comply 
with EDA regulations, especially auditing and reporting requirements, 
even after they have established a lengthy record of demonstrable 
competence and success in meeting the goals of the RLF program. The 
commenters note that continued compliance after such a long period of 
time can be a particularly heavy burden on small non-profit 
organizations.
    EDA understands the challenges presented by the perpetual nature of 
EDA's interest in RLF assets. EDA also recognizes that many of our 
Recipients have been effective stewards of their RLF assets and that 
the RLF program has grown in value and in its ability to impact 
communities in distress due in large part to the efforts of our 
Recipients. However, while EDA has statutory authority to release its 
interest in Real Property and tangible Personal Property acquired with 
EDA grant funds after a certain period of time has elapsed, there is no 
such authority for EDA to release its interest in RLF assets. As such, 
EDA continues to pursue legislative solutions that would address this 
concern. In the interim, through this final rule, EDA is significantly 
revising its regulations to make compliance easier for our RLF 
Recipients, especially those demonstrating effective performance as 
determined through the Risk Analysis System.
Issue Fourteen: General Cost of Compliance
    EDA received 14 comments remarking that the costs of compliance 
with RLF program requirements are generally high, especially for audits 
and attorney reviews of loan documentation. Many of these commenters 
also indicated that some of the regulatory changes proposed would cause 
these costs to rise.
    Audits are required by the Uniform Guidance for Federal grant 
recipients and, as a result, are generally fixed costs. In addition, as 
explained in more detail in the below discussion of this issue, EDA 
believes that legal review of Recipients' loan documents is an 
essential element to ensuring appropriate oversight of Recipients' use 
of RLF award funds. Nevertheless, as noted previously, the regulatory 
revisions in this final rule are designed to streamline requirements 
and minimize costs throughout the transition of the program to a risk-
based approach to program oversight. While a few additional 
requirements are being added to support this new approach, other 
requirements are being relaxed. Examples include the allowance of 
alternatives to a bank turn-down letter, more options for loan 
leveraging, and the end to automatic sequestration. In addition, 
nothing in these regulatory revisions would affect the Recipients' 
ability to use RLF Income for administrative expenses. In fact, EDA has 
sought to make this process easier for Recipients by no longer 
requiring the Recipient to complete an RLF Income and Expense Statement 
(former ED-209I) and by extending the period during which RLF Income 
may be withdrawn from the RLF Capital Base for a purpose other than 
lending.
Issue Fifteen: Risk Analysis System
    Twenty-five comments were received on various aspects of the Risk 
Analysis System.
    One commenter stated that the Risk Analysis System runs counter to 
the purpose and intent of the RLF program. EDA disagrees. EDA designed 
the Risk Analysis System to help measure, address, and monitor risk. 
This system reflects current best practices and will strengthen EDA's 
efforts to evaluate, monitor, and improve RLF performance. In this way, 
it will help EDA and its RLF Recipients to fulfill the goals of the RLF 
program by ensuring that RLF grants continue to bring economic 
prosperity to communities in need.
    Another comment on the Risk Analysis System expressed concern about 
the system possibly creating an administrative burden on Recipients and 
EDA regional staff through additional monitoring, financial controls, 
and reporting requirements. EDA anticipates that the changes made by 
this final rule will help ease the administrative burden on both 
Recipients and EDA program staff. For example, the final rule would 
change the reporting frequency to either annual or semi-annual, 
depending on each Recipient's score in the Risk Analysis System. 
Further, EDA is changing the reporting period to follow each 
Recipient's fiscal year end.
    One comment stated that it is premature to adopt a Risk Analysis 
System until factors and rating criteria are identified. The commenter 
also took the position that the provisions establishing the system 
should be removed from the regulations unless or until the measures are 
identified. EDA also received a comment that suggested that EDA use 
Aeris ratings as a substitute for the Risk Analysis System scores for 
those Recipients that are already Aeris rated. Aeris is an independent 
organization that provides third party assessments of community 
development financial institution loan funds by using a proprietary 
methodology based on CAMELS factors. While Recipients are not 
prohibited from using Aeris ratings for their own operational purposes, 
at this time EDA will not accept or use Aeris ratings as a substitute 
for its own Risk Analysis System assessments because, at this initial 
stage, EDA is seeking to ease the transition to this new approach for 
our Recipients by basing our measures on the data that is already 
provided through RLF reporting. Nevertheless, in a separate notice that 
EDA has issued concurrently with this final rule, EDA is soliciting 
feedback from the public on EDA's proposed Risk Analysis System 
performance measures and will consider that feedback, including any 
feedback EDA receives regarding parallels between the two approaches, 
as EDA launches our risk-based scoring.
    Along those same lines, EDA received a comment that asked EDA to 
develop the framework for the Risk Analysis System in consultation with 
RLF Recipients. In response, EDA encourages our Recipients to review 
the Federal Register notice describing our proposed performance 
measures for this system and provide detailed input. EDA will consider 
all feedback very carefully and will notify the public of the final set 
of performance measures that will be used at the onset of the Risk 
Analysis System, as well as conduct outreach to share those performance 
measures and what to expect with the use of this system as EDA launches 
it.
    With regards to the specific measures that will be used, EDA 
received one comment regarding percentage of RLF Income used for 
administrative expenses. In Sec.  307.12(a)(4), EDA is revising the 
regulations on the use of RLF Income by clarifying that Recipients may 
not use funds in excess of RLF Income for administrative expenses 
unless directed to do so by EDA. EDA is also revising that provision by 
clarifying that the percentage of RLF Income used for administrative 
expenses will be one of the measures used in the Risk Analysis System 
to evaluate Recipients. The Risk Analysis System will thus incentivize 
Recipients to prudently manage administrative

[[Page 57039]]

expenses and maximize their RLF Capital Base reserves for lending. 
However, the commenter stated that using this as a measure would 
automatically penalize smaller Recipients (which have higher fixed 
costs) or Recipients that offer lower interest rates to borrowers. 
While EDA recognizes that some Recipients may face higher costs or 
generate less income than other Recipients, EDA believes that the 
amount of RLF Income used for administrative expenses is an important 
indicator of the condition of an RLF. Indeed, Recipients that spend a 
high amount of RLF Income on administrative expenses are more likely to 
face challenges in maintaining and growing their RLF Capital Base. 
Nevertheless, the amount of RLF Income used for administrative expenses 
would be one of fifteen measures used to assess Recipient performance, 
enabling Recipients with a potential disadvantage in this area to 
balance their overall scores through higher scores in other measures.
    Another comment asserted that EDA should be able to determine 
poorly performing RLF Recipients based on the current reporting system. 
EDA does not believe that maintaining the status quo would represent a 
best practice in the loan-making community. As stated in the NPRM, 
since the RLF program's inception, EDA has funded over 800 RLFs 
nationwide, investing $500 million in RLFs that have a combined capital 
base of more than $813 million. A move to a risk-based assessment 
system is critical to properly managing a program of this size with 
limited resources and thereby ensuring the program's continued success. 
Moreover, the Risk Analysis System is not designed to determine which 
Recipients are performing poorly but rather to improve performance for 
the program as a whole.
    EDA received a comment regarding Sec.  307.16(b), which as proposed 
states, ``An RLF Recipient generally will be allowed a reasonable 
period of time to achieve compliance with risk factors as defined by 
EDA.'' The commenter requests EDA define ``reasonable period of time'' 
in this context. EDA has chosen not to define this phrase because it 
will likely vary from Recipient to Recipient, depending on the 
identified risk factors. EDA's regional staff will work with each 
Recipient to determine what is ``reasonable'' based on that entity's 
individual circumstances.
    Another comment sought clarification as to whether Recipients that 
currently have sequestered funds will be relieved of that obligation 
upon implementation of the final rule. The answer is yes. These 
Recipients with sequestered funds will be provided guidance asking them 
to return their sequestered funds to their RLF Capital Base and 
notifying them that they will be managed from that point forward using 
the Allowable Cash Percentage and the Risk Analysis System.
Issue Sixteen: Providing Additional Funding to ``A'' Rated Recipients
    One commenter asks if EDA would consider providing additional grant 
funding to Recipients that have been rated ``A'' through the Risk 
Analysis System and that have loaned out all of their funds. While the 
regulations do not provide for additional funding to be made 
automatically available to ``A'' rated RLFs, EDA takes a wide variety 
of factors into consideration when considering Investment decisions, 
including historical performance by specific applicants.
Issue Seventeen: Obtaining Input From the Public Regarding the 
Regulatory Changes
    EDA received four comments that asked us to form a committee of EDA 
representatives, economic development practitioners, and RLF Recipients 
to vet the proposed changes to the regulations before final adoption. 
Similarly, EDA received ten comments from individuals and organizations 
requesting that EDA consult with RLF practitioners in developing the 
Risk Analysis System and prior to finalizing these regulations, 
requesting outreach regarding the revised reporting form, stating that 
the final regulations appear different from what had previously been 
discussed, indicating apparent similarities between the RLF program and 
the Small Business Administration's Microloan program, and asking 
whether EDA's RLF staff would remain with EDA after the change of 
Administration.
    EDA recognizes the tremendous value of soliciting the opinions of 
stakeholders when undertaking changes to our regulations and programs. 
EDA prides ourselves on our close working relationship with communities 
and organizations across the nation. Two years ago, EDA developed an 
internal RLF Working Group with representatives from each of our 
Regional offices, legal counsel, and our national performance programs 
division. EDA also reached out to other Federal agencies for insight 
and best practices. While EDA appreciates the interest in forming a 
committee to provide input, EDA feels that the publication of the NPRM 
and the November 15, 2016 webinar conducted to discuss the proposed 
regulatory changes provided us with even broader access to the views of 
stakeholders than would have been the case with a committee limited to 
select members of the public. In addition, as EDA has noted previously, 
EDA intends to continue our outreach to and discussions with our 
Recipients and other stakeholders as EDA implements these changes, 
including those regarding our reporting form and the Risk Analysis 
System measures, and pursue other tools for improving the RLF program. 
As indicated during our informational webinar, our commitment to our 
Recipients and the nation will not change.
Issue Eighteen: Allowable Cash Percentage
    EDA received 15 comments on the newly introduced Allowable Cash 
Percentage definition, including two that were addressed above (Issues 
Two and Three), and one that was supportive of this new approach as a 
replacement for the capital utilization standard.
    Another comment submitted from an entity in American Samoa 
expressed its view that regional calculations are not the fairest 
approach to calculating the Allowable Cash Percentage. EDA acknowledges 
this concern and intends to review the relevant data and refine its 
measures as appropriate. In the meantime, failure to comply with the 
Allowable Cash Percentage will be one factor among many that will be 
used to assess risk and performance within a Recipient's RLF portfolio, 
so it alone is not determinative of a final risk score.
    Another commenter suggested that EDA set a threshold or boundary on 
the floating Allowable Cash Percentage. EDA responds by noting that it 
expressly created the Allowable Cash Percentage to avoid rigid 
thresholds and the inflexibility that existed with the Capital 
Utilization standard. Instead, with the Allowable Cash Percentage, EDA 
establishes a floating rate based on year-by-year fluctuations in 
economic conditions across regions in order to introduce flexibility 
that did not exist before and to address the challenges associated with 
the Capital Utilization standard and automatic sequestration. 
Nevertheless, the revised Sec. Sec.  307.20 and 307.21 establish a 
threshold by listing as a form of noncompliance the holding of RLF Cash 
Available for Lending so that it is 50 percent or more of the RLF 
Capital Base for 24 months without an EDA-approved extension request 
based on other EDA risk analysis factors or other extenuating 
circumstances.
    One comment expressed concern about the ``subjectivity and 
vagueness of the proposed change with the Allowable

[[Page 57040]]

Cash Percentage,'' adding that this ``could be to the advantage of the 
RLF, especially if it is close to the requirement (but not quite there) 
on its utilization rate, depending on EDA's response.'' Another 
commenter stated that this change could put newer RLF Recipients at an 
immediate disadvantage, necessitating some mechanism to even the 
playing field for those Recipients. EDA understands that newer RLF 
Recipients may not have the same level of experience as Recipients that 
have been operating RLF programs for longer periods of time. However, 
the Allowable Cash Percentage is based on an objective calculation: The 
average percent of the RLF Capital Base maintained as RLF Cash 
Available for Lending by RLF Recipients in each regional office's 
portfolio of RLF Grants over the previous year. In addition, as EDA 
noted in the NPRM, EDA recognizes that different regions face very 
different economic conditions and variations in access to capital and 
that a one size fits-all capital utilization standard can be difficult 
for RLF Recipients to meet and for EDA to implement. To help resolve 
this, EDA is now reversing the standard on which RLF Recipients will be 
assessed from the amount of capital that is loaned or committed to the 
amount of cash Recipients have on hand available for lending--the 
Allowable Cash Percentage. Moreover, Recipients will be assessed 
against a range of measures, of which compliance with the Allowable 
Cash Percentage is just one. In the end, effective management and 
compliance with all RLF regulations will help prevent any single 
Recipient from being disadvantaged by the applicable Allowable Cash 
Percentage.
    Another comment on this issue suggested that EDA establish 
exceptions to the Allowable Cash Percentage and allow for situations 
where cash becomes available for early loan pay-offs or a ``Force major 
event occur[s] in a RLF area.'' EDA believes that these types of 
exceptions can be handled through individual compliance actions and do 
not necessitate explicit carve-outs. Also, the Allowable Cash 
Percentage is designed to accommodate fluctuations in economic 
conditions across regions as well as in cash flows within Recipients.
    Other comments addressed the removal of those provisions requiring 
automatic sequestration as part of the transition from the capital 
utilization standard to the Allowable Cash Percentage. One commenter 
generally expressed its support of this change. Another asserted that 
this change is unnecessary because the language regarding sequestration 
was permissive rather than mandatory because it provides that if a 
Recipient failed to satisfy the capital utilization standard for two 
consecutive Reporting Periods, EDA ``may'' require the Recipient to 
deposit excess funds in an interest-bearing account. While this 
provision used the word ``may'' rather than ``must'' or ``shall,'' in 
practice and under these circumstances, EDA regularly required 
Recipients to sequester excess cash. EDA removed this requirement in 
order to stress that, in accordance with the shift to the use of a Risk 
Analysis System, sequestration will be considered as one of a range of 
possible tools for ensuring compliance with the terms of the RLF Grant.
Issue Nineteen: Defining ``Prudent Lending Practices''
    EDA received two different comments regarding the use of ``Prudent 
Lending Practices.'' One asked if EDA would define ``Prudent Lending 
Practices.'' The other stated that ``Prudent Lending Practices'' cause 
Recipients to not make certain loans, may cause a Recipient's Capital 
Base to occasionally exceed 25 percent, and to be penalized for being 
prudent.
    ``Prudent Lending Practices'' are currently defined in Sec.  307.8 
as generally accepted underwriting and lending practices for public 
loan programs, based on sound judgment to protect Federal and lender 
interests. Prudent Lending Practices include loan processing, 
documentation, loan approval, collections, servicing, administrative 
procedures, collateral protection and recovery actions. Prudent Lending 
Practices provide for compliance with local laws and filing 
requirements to perfect and maintain a security interest in RLF 
collateral. The NPRM proposed no changes to this definition, and EDA 
makes none with this final rule.
    With regards to the second comment on this issue, EDA does not 
penalize Recipients for making higher risk loans. As noted in the NPRM 
and in this final rule, EDA established the RLF program expressly to 
assist borrowers who are considered higher risk and cannot obtain 
credit from traditional financial institutions. Nevertheless, in order 
to ensure effective oversight and compliance with the fiduciary 
obligations of a Recipient that lends out Federal Grant funds, EDA felt 
it necessary to continue to apply a prudent lending standard. EDA also 
points out that EDA has removed the capital utilization standard, which 
required Recipients to ensure that at least 75 percent of their RLF 
Capital was loaned or committed at all times. This should resolve this 
commenter's concerns about its Capital Base exceeding the 25 percent 
threshold imposed by the old standard.
Issue Twenty: Reporting
    EDA received 15 comments regarding reporting requirements. At least 
one commenter expressed support for the change to a reporting cycle 
based on the Recipient's fiscal year cycle.
    One commenter asked whether Recipients could continue to report 
semi-annually if they want to do so. If a Recipient qualifies for 
annual reporting based on their assessment through the Risk Analysis 
System, EDA would direct the Recipient to not submit semi-annual 
reports. While EDA has introduced this new, longer reporting cycle for 
Recipients who score as the highest performers according the Risk 
Analysis System, in part, to ease the reporting burden on those 
Recipients, EDA was also motivated to make this change in an effort to 
ease the administrative burden on EDA's Regional staff, given the large 
number of RLFs which they must monitor. As a result, EDA would not 
accept semi-annual reports from Recipients that are placed on an annual 
reporting cycle.
Issue Twenty-One: Legal Certification of Loan Documents
    EDA received 31 comments regarding the proposed revision to the 
requirement for legal certification of loan documents. In the NPRM, EDA 
proposed moving the requirement for legal counsel review of standard 
RLF loan documents from Sec.  307.15 to Sec.  307.11(a) and, in the 
process, revised it to require the certification that standard loan 
documents are adequate and comply with the terms and conditions of the 
RLF Grant, RLF Plan, and applicable State and local law come directly 
from the RLF Recipient's legal counsel rather than have the Recipient 
certify as to counsel review. Commenters complained that this revision 
could be costly and require additional time for Recipients to comply. A 
number of the commenters also appeared to believe this to be an on-
going requirement through the life of the RLF.
    EDA notes that this requirement is for the standard set of loan 
documents used by the RLF and referenced in the RLF Plan, not for the 
particular loan documents used for each loan made by the RLF. In moving 
this regulation to Sec.  307.11(a), which lists pre-disbursement 
requirements, EDA intended to make clear that the legal certification 
was a one-time requirement

[[Page 57041]]

to be completed before EDA disburses RLF funds to the Recipient. EDA 
agrees that certification on an ongoing basis could be financially 
prohibitive. Recipients are free, however, to obtain legal review of 
their loan documents on a more frequent basis if desired. In light of 
the above, EDA believes that the revised language and its new location 
make this requirement sufficiently clear. As a result, EDA made no 
additional changes to this provision in the final rule.
Issue Twenty-Two: EDA-Provided Loan Documents
    Six comments asked whether EDA would supply or possibly mandate 
template loan documents for use by all Recipients with their borrowers. 
EDA does not plan on providing or mandating templates for this purpose 
because each Recipient must comply with its own local and State lending 
laws, which can vary from Recipient to Recipient.
Issue Twenty-Three: Evidence Demonstrating Lack of Available Credit
    Six commenters asked for examples of other evidence that could be 
provided as an alternative to a bank turn-down letter, as required by 
Sec.  307.11(a)(1)(ii)(H). In the NPRM, EDA proposed replacing the 
requirement that RLF Recipients obtain and borrowers provide a signed 
bank turn-down letter to demonstrate that credit was not otherwise 
available with a more general requirement for evidence demonstrating 
that credit is not otherwise available on terms and conditions 
permitting the completion or successful operation of the activity to be 
financed. EDA broadened this requirement to help those borrowers who 
were unable to obtain a turn-down letter. EDA feels that providing 
specific examples of alternative documentation would undermine this 
goal. However, Recipients will outline in their RLF Plans what types of 
documentation would be approved for this purpose and can work with 
their Regional RLF Administrator to incorporate into the specific RLF's 
Plan further examples of what documentation may be sufficient for that 
particular RLF.
Issue Twenty-Four: Fidelity Bond Coverage
    EDA received one comment regarding the requirement for Recipients 
to maintain fidelity bond coverage. The comment requested an exemption 
for public bodies, including State entities, from the mandates on the 
amount of coverage appropriate for Recipients. EDA does not agree that 
such an exemption should be established. In the NPRM, EDA proposed a 
change to this requirement to provide that the minimum amount of 
coverage must equal the maximum loan amount allowed for in the EDA-
approved RLF Plan. Our intent was to make this requirement easier for 
Recipients to follow. EDA also believed that this amount was 
reasonable. For these reasons, EDA made no additional changes to this 
requirement, which applies to all Recipients without exception.
Issue Twenty-Five: RLF Income/Administrative Expenses
    Fifteen comments expressed support for the revisions expanding the 
requisite period to charge administrative expenses against RLF Income 
from the same six-month Reporting Period to the same fiscal year. EDA 
sought this change as one of many designed to ease the burden on its 
RLF Recipients. This support helps to confirm that this change will 
meet that goal.
Issue Twenty-Six: Voluntarily Contributed Capital
    EDA received two comments expressing confusion regarding 
Voluntarily Contributed Capital. These asserted that when a non-Federal 
Recipient contributes capital that exceeds the Local Share, this excess 
capital should not be treated as part of the Capital Base. In the 
commenters' view, the Recipient should have the opportunity to deposit, 
maintain, and withdraw these funds at its discretion from a separate 
bank account that is not governed by EDA guidelines and regulations. 
EDA respectfully disagrees with this position. As indicated in the 
newly added definition of ``Voluntarily Contributed Capital'' in Sec.  
307.8 and the language added to Sec.  307.12(d), EDA considers funds 
that are voluntarily injected into the RLF an irrevocable component of 
the Capital Base and therefore subject to EDA regulations and policies. 
EDA added this language in response to past confusion about such 
infusions of additional funds. The scenario described exemplifies this 
confusion, as it appears to describe a form of leveraged funds, rather 
than Voluntarily Contributed Capital. In an additional effort to 
clarify the handling of Voluntarily Contributed Capital, the NPRM 
described our proposal to add a requirement that any Recipient wishing 
to inject additional capital into the RLF Capital Base to augment the 
amount of resources available to lend must submit a written request 
that specifies the source of the funds to be added. EDA believes that 
this added language is sufficient to prevent any further confusion on 
this matter.
Issue Twenty-Seven: Inclusion of RLFs in the Schedule of Expenditures 
for Federal Awards
    EDA received three comments that asked whether RLFs would continue 
to be included in the Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards 
(``SEFA''). In the NPRM, EDA proposed clarifying the provision 
permitting the inclusion of a loan loss reserve in an RLF Recipient's 
financial statements, in accordance with generally accepted accounting 
principles to show the fair market value of an RLF loan portfolio. This 
provision had created confusion in the past with some RLF Recipients, 
who understood it to mean that the inclusion of a loan loss reserve 
also applied to the SEFA, which is the list of expenditures for each 
Federal award covered by the Recipient's financial statements and which 
must be reviewed as part of the audit process. This may result in 
inaccurate RLF valuations in the SEFA. EDA attempted to resolve this 
confusion by adding a sentence to Sec.  307.15(a)(2) clearly stating 
that loan loss reserves were not to be used to reduce the nominal value 
of the RLF in the SEFA. EDA feels that this language is sufficiently 
clear to demonstrate the RLFs shall continue to be included in the 
SEFA.
Issue Twenty-Eight: Loan Leveraging Requirement
    Seven commenters submitted their views on the loan leveraging 
requirements laid out in Sec.  307.15(c). This paragraph requires 
Recipients to ensure funding from additional sources at a ratio of $2 
of additional funding to every $1 of RLF loans. The requirement applies 
to Recipients' entire RLF portfolio, rather than to individual loans, 
and is effective for the duration of the RLF. Some of the comments on 
this issue asserted that this requirement is difficult to meet. The 
NPRM proposed some changes to this paragraph in an effort to clarify 
and broaden the possible sources of funds used for leveraging the RLF 
portfolio. With these changes, Recipients may use funds from State and 
local lending programs, in addition to the non-guaranteed portions and 
90 percent of the guaranteed portions of Federal loan programs. Our 
hope is that these revisions, now finalized, will make it easier for 
Recipients to achieve the required amount of leveraging.
    The remaining comments on this issue expressed confusion over the 
difference between leverage, Voluntarily Contributed Capital, and Local 
Share (or Matching Share). Each of these concepts

[[Page 57042]]

has a distinct meaning, and EDA believes the differences are 
sufficiently spelled out in the regulations. As stated in the first 
sentence of Sec.  307.15(c), ``RLF loans must leverage additional 
investment of at least two dollars for every one dollar of such RLF 
loans.'' Local Share (or Matching Share) is defined in Sec.  300.3 as 
``the non[hyphen]EDA funds and any In[hyphen]Kind Contributions that 
are approved by EDA and provided by a Recipient or third party as a 
condition of an Investment.'' Thus, while leveraging refers to a 
condition of an RLF loan, Local Share refers to a condition of the RLF 
Grant from EDA. Voluntarily Contributed Capital is defined in Sec.  
307.8 as an RLF Recipient's voluntary infusion of additional non-EDA 
funds into the RLF Capital Base that is separate from and exceeds any 
Local Share that is required as a condition of the RLF Grant. 
Voluntarily Contributed Capital is an irrevocable addition to the RLF 
Capital Base and must be administered in accordance with EDA 
regulations and policies.
Issue Twenty-Nine: Release of Federal Interest
    A non-profit commenter suggested modifications to a sentence in 
EDA's existing regulations that was unchanged in the NPRM and 
represents longstanding EDA practice. Specifically, the commenter 
contended that Sec.  314.10(b) should provide that the Assistant 
Secretary ``shall release the Federal Interest in Project Property if 
EDA determines that the Recipient has made a good faith effort to 
fulfill all terms and conditions of the Investment Assistance.'' The 
current language makes this release permissive (``may'') instead of 
mandatory (``shall''). The commenter believed that the release should 
be ministerial instead of discretionary. The commenter also desired a 
defined protocol for obtaining a release and documentation of such 
protocols in the Award itself so Recipients can monitor their own 
compliance and avoid delays in obtaining the release at the end of the 
Project's useful life.
    The use of ``may'' in the current regulation parallels section 
601(d)(2) of PWEDA, which provides that EDA ``may release'' any real 
property interest in connection with a grant after the expiration of 
the 20-year useful life. See 42 U.S.C. 3211(d)(2). Further, the 
discretion provided to EDA to release the interest, or not as the case 
may be, is important to ensure that the Recipient is in compliance with 
all terms and conditions of the grant between the award of the 
Investment Assistance and the expiration of the useful life, as well as 
to make certain that the covenants that extend beyond EDA's release are 
properly recorded. See new 13 CFR 314.10(b), (c), (d)(3) and (e)(3). 
EDA declines to establish particular protocols because it is incumbent 
on the Recipient to request EDA remove the interest and procedures vary 
by jurisdiction. EDA does make Recipients aware of these general 
release requirements in the mortgage documents that are filed to record 
EDA's interest.

Overview of Final Rule

    Below EDA describes the regulatory revisions made by the final 
rule, including those changes discussed above that were in response to 
public comments and other minor consistency edits that were made 
throughout.

Part 300--General Information

    EDA is making several clarifying revisions to the ``Definitions'' 
section of EDA's regulations at Sec.  300.3. These revisions are:
     In the definition of In-kind contribution(s), EDA replaces 
references to 15 CFR parts 14 and 24, which set out the Uniform 
Administrative Requirements applicable to grants and agreements with 
Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals, Other Non-Profit, and 
Commercial Organizations and State and Local Governments, respectively, 
with a reference to the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost 
Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards.
     EDA revises the definition of Project by adding a 
reference to ``or Stevenson-Wydler'' between the reference to ``PWEDA'' 
and the word ``and'' to clarify that EDA may provide Investment 
Assistance to support a Project under Stevenson-Wydler.
     EDA revises the definition of Recipient by defining 
separately the concepts of Co-recipients and Subrecipients in EDA's 
programs to clarify that when EDA awards Investment Assistance to more 
than one recipient, they are known as co-recipients and are generally 
jointly and severally responsible for fulfilling the terms of the 
Investment Assistance and to introduce the term Subrecipient as the 
eligible recipient that receives a subgrant under 13 CFR part 309.
     EDA adds a definition of Stevenson-Wydler, which is the 
Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980, as amended (15 
U.S.C. 3701 et seq.) to incorporate the EDA programs created by the 
America Creating Opportunities to Meaningfully Promote Excellence in 
Technology, Education, and Science Reauthorization Act of 2010 
(``COMPETES Act'') (Pub. L. 111-358 (January 4, 2011)), which amended 
Stevenson-Wydler to add the Office of Innovation and Entrepreneurship 
(15 U.S.C. 3720), the loan guarantees for innovative technologies in 
manufacturing (``ITM'') program (15 U.S.C. 3721), and the Regional 
Innovation Program (15 U.S.C. 3722), the centerpiece of which is the 
Regional Innovation Strategies (``RIS'') Program.

Part 301--Eligibility, Investment Rate, and Application Requirements

    EDA has added the phrase ``at its sole discretion'' to the second 
sentence of Sec.  301.2(b) (``Applicant eligibility''). Section 
301.2(b) requires non-profit organizations that are applicants for 
investment assistance to include in their applications a resolution or 
letter from an authorized representative of a political subdivision of 
a State, acknowledging that the applicants are acting in cooperation 
with the officials of that subdivision. The second sentence of this 
paragraph allows EDA to waive this requirement for Projects of a 
significant Regional or national scope. By adding the phrase, ``at its 
sole discretion,'' to this second sentence, EDA is clarifying that such 
a waiver is solely at EDA's discretion.
    In the second sentence of Sec.  301.5 (``Matching share 
requirements''), EDA is replacing the word ``show'' with the phrase 
``provide documentation to EDA demonstrating'' to better explain what 
applicants are required to provide to fulfill EDA's Matching Share 
requirements. In addition, EDA has added a sentence to Sec.  301.5 to 
clarify that EDA retains the discretion to determine whether Matching 
Share documentation adequately addresses the requirements of the 
regulation.
    EDA is simplifying Sec.  301.7(a) (``Investment assistance 
application'') to state that for all of EDA's Investment Assistance 
programs, application submission requirements and evaluation procedures 
and criteria will be set out in published Federal Funding Opportunity 
(``FFO'') announcements. Currently, the application and selection 
process under the Public Works and Economic Adjustment Assistance 
programs is a two-phase process that requires the submission of a 
proposal followed by a complete application. There are no submission 
deadlines and proposals and applications are accepted on an ongoing 
basis.
    Likewise, EDA is revising Sec.  301.8 (``Application evaluation 
criteria'') to remove specific evaluation criteria currently set out in 
paragraphs (a) through (f) from the regulation and to specify that 
program-specific evaluation criteria will be set out in applicable

[[Page 57043]]

FFOs. This will allow EDA additional flexibility to respond to changing 
economic conditions.
    In Sec.  301.11 (``Infrastructure''), EDA has added the 
parenthetical ``(e.g., roads, sewers, and water lines)'' in the second 
sentence of Sec.  301.11(a) to provide several core examples of ``basic 
economic development assets'' referenced in the sentence.

Part 302--General Terms and Conditions for Investment Assistance

    EDA has revised Sec.  302.5 (``Relocation assistance and land 
acquisition policies'') to add a reference to Stevenson-Wydler by 
adding the phrase ``or any other types of assistance'' between 
``Investment Assistance'' and ``under PWEDA'' and a reference to ``, 
and Stevenson-Wydler'' between ``Trade Act'' and ``(States and 
political subdivisions of States. . . .)''. EDA also corrects a typo by 
replacing the phrase ``nonprofits organizations'' with ``non-profit 
organizations''.
    EDA revises Sec.  302.6 (``Additional requirements; Federal 
policies and procedures''), to replace references to 15 CFR parts 14 
and 24 with a reference to ``2 CFR part 200, Uniform Administrative 
Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal 
Awards''.
    In Sec.  302.20 (``Civil rights''), EDA adds a reference to ``or 
Stevenson-Wydler'' between the reference to ``PWEDA'' and the phrase 
``or by an entity'', as well as the phrase ``or any other type of 
assistance under Stevenson-Wydler'' between the reference to ``Trade 
Act'' and the phrase ``in accordance with the following authorities'' 
to clarify that nondiscrimination requirements apply to any type of 
assistance provided under Stevenson-Wydler.
    In Sec.  302.20(d) regarding written assurances of compliance with 
nondiscrimination requirements, EDA adds a reference to ``and 
Stevenson-Wydler'' between ``PWEDA'' and ``all Other Parties'', as well 
as a reference to ``or any other type of assistance under Stevenson-
Wydler'' between ``Trade Act'' and the phrase that begins with ``must 
submit to EDA''.
    In Sec.  302.20(a)(2), EDA adds a reference to Title IX of the 
Education Amendments of 1972, as amended (20 U.S.C. 1681 et seq.), 
which proscribe discrimination on the basis of sex in any education 
program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance, whether or 
not such program or activity is offered or sponsored by an educational 
institution.

Part 303--Planning Investments and Comprehensive Economic Development 
Strategies

    EDA has made clarifications and modifications to its Planning 
program:
     Modifies Sec.  303.6(b)(1) to replace ``including'' with 
``which may include'' to clarify that the CEDS Strategy Committee has 
the discretion to determine which parties represent the main economic 
interests of the Region.
     Removes the last sentence of Sec.  303.6(b)(1) as 
superfluous and revising that section to clarify that Indian Tribes and 
State officials may be represented on the CEDS Strategy Committee, 
along with all other groups listed, when representative of the economic 
interests of the region.
     Adds sentences to Sec.  303.6(b)(3)(ii) to encourage 
participating counties or other areas within the EDD to remain engaged 
in the planning process.
     Revises Sec.  303.7(c)(1) by, in the first sentence, 
replacing the phrase ``without fulfilling all the requirements of 
paragraph (b) of this section'' with the phrase ``so long as it 
includes all of the elements listed in paragraph (b) of this section'' 
and adding the new sentence, ``In certain circumstances, EDA may accept 
a non-EDA funded CEDS that does not contain all the elements listed in 
paragraph (b) of this section'' between the existing first and second 
sentences of this provision. This change is designed to emphasize that 
a non-EDA funded CEDS should include all elements of an EDA-funded CEDS 
and, at the same time, to reflect that in particular circumstances, 
such as a natural disaster or sudden and severe economic dislocation, 
EDA will accept a non-EDA funded CEDS that does not include the 
foundational CEDS elements.

Part 304--Economic Development Districts

    In Sec.  304.2(c)(2), EDA is replacing the word ``including'' with 
the phrase ``which may include'' to indicate that the private sector, 
public officials, community leaders, representatives of workforce 
development boards, institutions of higher education, minority and 
labor groups, and private individuals should be included insofar as 
they represent principal economic interests of the Region and to 
reinforce the message that each District Organization must continue to 
demonstrate that its governing body is broadly representative of the 
principal economic interest of the Region and that it has the capacity 
to implement the EDA-approved CEDS.

Part 305--Public Works and Economic Development Investments

    EDA has made two minor changes to part 305 to reflect the 
promulgation of the Uniform Guidance. Specifically, in paragraph (b) of 
Sec.  305.6 (``Allowable methods of procurement for construction 
services'') and paragraph (c) of Sec.  305.8 (``Recipient-furnished 
equipment and materials''), EDA replaces the references to ``15 CFR 
parts 14 or 24, as applicable'' with a reference to ``2 CFR part 200''.

Part 306--Training, Research and Technical Assistance

    EDA has made no changes to part 306 with this rule.

Part 307--Economic Adjustment Assistance Investments

    EDA has made multiple changes to subpart B in its efforts to 
strengthen and clarify EDA's RLF regulations to improve the agency's 
ability to monitor RLF performance and provide targeted technical 
assistance through a risk-based management framework and changes 
designed to clarify and streamline RLF requirements. These changes are 
as follows:
     In Sec.  307.6 (``Revolving Loan Funds established for 
business lending''), EDA is removing the reference to ``business'' 
lending in the title to that section, as well as the phrase in the 
second sentence of the provision regarding subpart B's application to 
``business lending activities'' and the phrase ``to accommodate non-
business RLF awards'' regarding the application of special award 
conditions in the third sentence of the provision. These changes should 
remove confusion about the applicability of the RLF regulations to 
other types of lending. In addition, in the second sentence of Sec.  
307.6, EDA has added the phrase ``EDA-funded'' between the phrase 
``apply to'' and the acronym ``RLFs'' to clarify that the RLF 
regulations in subpart B to part 307 apply to EDA-funded RLFs.
     In Sec.  307.7 (``Revolving Loan Fund award 
requirements''), EDA has added language to clarify the compliance 
obligations for RLF Grants and update the reference to the location of 
the Compliance Supplement. In Sec.  307.7(b), EDA adds the phrase ``, 
as well as relevant provisions of parts 300 through 303, 305, and 314 
of this chapter,'' between the phrases ``set forth in this part'' and 
``and in the following publications''. In addition, in Sec.  
307.7(b)(2), EDA replaces the reference to ``OMB Circular A-133'' as 
the location of the Compliance Supplement with ``, which is Appendix XI 
to 2 CFR

[[Page 57044]]

part 200'' and with respect to the electronic availability of the 
Compliance Supplement, EDA replaced the general reference to the OMB 
Web site with the more specific site where all OMB Circulars, including 
the Compliance Supplement, are located.
     In Sec.  307.8 (``Definitions''), EDA has added several 
new definitions and revised existing definitions to implement the 
proposed risk-based framework to manage RLF Grants. Specifically, EDA 
has added new definitions for the terms: Allowable Cash Percentage, 
Disbursement Phase, Risk Analysis System, RLF Capital Base, RLF Cash 
Available for Lending, RLF Recipient, and Voluntarily Contributed 
Capital. The definitions are set out in the regulatory text below.
    In addition, EDA is revising the definitions of the following 
existing terms:

--In the existing definition of Recapitalization Grants, EDA replaces 
the phrase ``capital base of an RLF'' with the term ``RLF Capital 
Base'' for clarity.
--In the existing definition of Reporting Period, EDA is changing the 
Reporting Period to align with each RLF Recipient's fiscal year end in 
order to ensure consistency between RLF reports using Form ED-209 and 
annual audit reports by replacing the phrase ``means the period from 
April 1st to September 30th or the period from October 1st to March 
31st'' with the phrase ``is based on the RLF Recipient's fiscal year 
end and is on an annual or semi-annual basis as determined by EDA.''
--In the definition of RLF Income, EDA is deleting as repetitive the 
parenthetical ``(excluding interest earned on excess funds pursuant to 
Sec.  307.16(c)(2))'' in the first sentence of the definition and 
corrected a citation in the final sentence of the definition by 
replacing the reference to ``Sec.  307.16(c)(2)(i)'' with a reference 
to ``Sec.  307.20(h)''.

     EDA is reorganizing the regulations by placing all pre-
disbursement and Disbursement Phase requirements into Sec.  307.11. To 
accomplish this, EDA is revising the title of the section to read 
``Pre-disbursement requirements and disbursement of funds to Revolving 
Loan Funds'' from ``Disbursement of funds to Revolving Loan Funds''. In 
addition, the timing language in Sec.  307.11(a) that formerly read 
``Prior to any disbursement of EDA funds, RLF Recipients are required 
to provide in a form acceptable to EDA'' is being revised to read 
``Within 60 calendar days before the initial disbursement of EDA funds, 
the RLF Recipient must provide the following in a form acceptable to 
EDA'', and then EDA is revising the regulations to list the 
certifications and evidence required before EDA will make an initial 
disbursement of Grant funds. This change reconciles what were different 
and sometimes conflicting timing requirements on these certifications.
     In addition, EDA has moved the following two provisions 
from Sec.  307.15(b), which formerly set out pre-disbursement 
requirements regarding loan and accounting system documents, to Sec.  
307.11(a) titled ``Pre-disbursement requirements'': (1) The requirement 
that a qualified independent accountant certify as to the adequacy of 
the RLF Recipient's accounting system to identify, safeguard, and 
account for the entire RLF Capital Base, outstanding RLF loans, and 
other RLF operations (now Sec.  307.11(a)(1)(i)); and (2) the 
requirement that the Recipient certify that the standard loan documents 
are in place and have been reviewed by legal counsel (now Sec.  
307.11(a)(1)(ii)).
     With respect to the requirement regarding accountant 
certification of the RLF Recipient's accounting system, in re-locating 
this requirement, EDA is also revising it so it no longer requires 
certification directly from an accountant. This requirement now reads: 
``Certification from the RLF Recipient that the Recipient's accounting 
system is adequate to identify, safeguard, and account for the entire 
RLF Capital Base, outstanding RLF loans, and other RLF operations.'' 
This change serves to increase the awareness of the need to maintain 
proper accounting systems to account for Federal funds while addressing 
the concerns raised regarding accountants' ability to meet their 
mandate under the proposed language. EDA believes that this language, 
coupled with the increased scrutiny provided through the Risk Analysis 
System, will serve as an effective tool for ensuring compliance with 
Federal financial management requirements.
     With respect to the certification regarding legal counsel 
review of standard RLF loan documents formerly set out at Sec.  
307.15(b)(2), in relocating the requirement to Sec.  307.11(a)(1)(ii), 
EDA also replaces the phrase ``the Recipient shall certify that 
standard RLF loan documents reasonably necessary or advisable for 
lending are in place and that these documents have been reviewed by 
legal counsel'' with ``The RLF Recipient's certification that standard 
RLF loan documents reasonably necessary or advisable for lending are in 
place and a certification from the RLF Recipient's legal counsel''. 
This change not only streamlines this process but also ensures that the 
Recipient's legal counsel reviewed the standard loan documents and 
verified that those documents are adequate and in compliance with the 
applicable requirements.
     In Sec.  307.11(a)(1)(ii)(H), EDA replaced the requirement 
that RLF Recipients obtain and borrowers provide a signed bank turn-
down letter to demonstrate that credit is not otherwise available with 
the more general requirement for evidence demonstrating that credit is 
not otherwise available on terms and conditions that permit the 
completion or successful operation of the activity to be financed. This 
revision allows EDA to remove as redundant the requirement for RLF 
Plans that alternative evidence to a signed bank turn-down letter be 
allowed.
     The provision regarding evidence of fidelity bond coverage 
remains in place in Sec.  307.11(a), but is redesignated as Sec.  
307.11(a)(1)(iii). In addition, EDA is removing the phrases ``the 
greater of'' and ``, or 25 percent of the RLF Capital base'' from 
redesignated Sec.  307.11(a)(1)(iii), thereby revising the provision to 
establish the minimum amount of coverage required as the maximum loan 
amount allowed for the EDA-approved RLF Plan, and removing the 
alternative approach permitting coverage of at least 25 percent of the 
RLF Capital Base. This alternative was difficult to meet as it had 
required Recipients to regularly change the amount of fidelity bond 
coverage to remain in compliance, while also yielding approximately the 
same amount of coverage.
     EDA has also added language following Sec.  
307.11(a)(1)(iii), in new Sec.  307.11(a)(2), to clarify that the RLF 
Recipient must maintain the adequacy of the RLF's accounting system and 
standard RLF loan documents, as well as records and documentation to 
demonstrate that these requirements are met, throughout the RLF's 
operation. This maintenance language includes a cross-reference to new 
Sec.  307.13(b)(3) where EDA underscores that the RLF Recipient must 
maintain records to document compliance with these requirements. EDA 
also makes conforming changes to incorporate these requirements into a 
list format. Because EDA is moving the language regarding the 
accountant certification from Sec.  307.15 to Sec.  307.11, EDA is 
removing the language in Sec.  307.11(a)(2) that cited to the 
certification required under Sec.  307.15.

[[Page 57045]]

     In order to simplify the language regarding the amount of 
Grant fund disbursements in the first sentence of Sec.  307.11(c), EDA 
is replacing the phrase ``not to exceed the difference, if any, between 
the RLF Capital and the amount of a new RLF loan, less the amount, if 
any, of the Local Share required to be disbursed concurrent with Grant 
funds'' with the phrase ``be the amount required to meet the Federal 
share requirement of a new RLF loan''.
     EDA is adding new language to Sec.  307.11(c) to clarify 
that RLF Income earned during the Disbursement Phase must be placed in 
the RLF Capital Base and may be used to reimburse eligible and 
reasonable administrative costs and increase the RLF Capital Base. 
However, RLF Income earned during the Disbursement Phase need not be 
disbursed to support new RLF loans, unless otherwise specified in the 
terms and conditions of the RLF Grant. EDA is also adding language 
clarifying that repaid loan principal, like RLF Income, must be placed 
in the RLF Capital Base during the Disbursement Phase and can be used 
to reimburse administrative costs during this Phase. Section 307.11(c) 
now reads as set out in the regulatory text below.
     EDA is making a non-substantive revision to Sec.  
307.11(d) to capitalize the word ``Grant''.
     EDA has placed all provisions that set out Local Share 
requirements in Sec.  307.11(f), which requires re-locating the 
substance of the provision at Sec.  307.17(d) regarding use of In-Kind 
Contributions to satisfy Local Share requirements. Accordingly, EDA 
removed former Sec.  307.17(d) and re-numbered the regulation 
accordingly. In revised Sec.  307.11(f), EDA adds the phrase ``, which 
must be specifically authorized in the terms and conditions of the RLF 
Grant and may be used to provide technical assistance to borrowers or 
for eligible RLF administrative costs,'' between the term ``In-Kind 
Contributions'' and the phrase ``and cash Local Share'' in the first 
sentence of Sec.  307.11(f)(2) to reflect that In-Kind Contributions 
are rarely necessary or reasonable for accomplishment of the RLF 
program and that most RLF Local Share is cash.
     In addition, to consolidate all pre-disbursement and 
disbursement requirements into Sec.  307.11, EDA is relocating the 
provisions regarding loan closing and disbursement schedules, as well 
as time schedule extensions, from Sec.  307.16(a) and (b), 
respectively, to Sec.  307.11 and redesignating them as Sec.  307.11(g) 
and (h), respectively. EDA also makes non-substantive conforming 
changes to reflect defined terms and correct cross-references because 
of this reorganization. Specifically, EDA is replacing the phrase 
``initial RLF Capital Base'' with ``RLF Grant'' in the final sentence 
of redesignated Sec.  307.11(g)(1) to clarify the corpus of funds to 
which the lending schedule applies; replacing the cross-reference to 
``Sec.  307.16(b)'' in redesignated Sec.  307.11(g)(2)(iii) with a 
reference to ``paragraph (h) of this section'' to reflect the 
reorganization of these provisions; correcting a typo by replacing the 
plural ``requests'' with a singular ``request'' in the last sentence of 
redesignated Sec.  307.11(h)(1); and dividing redesignated Sec.  
307.11(h)(2) into two sentences for clarity and emphasis.
     EDA is renaming the title of Sec.  307.12 to ``Revolving 
Loan Fund Income requirements during the Revolving Phase; payments on 
defaulted and written off Revolving Loan Fund loans; Voluntarily 
Contributed Capital'' to clarify that the provision describes certain 
requirements that apply during the Revolving Phase of the RLF and 
addresses other topics, rather than solely setting out RLF Income 
requirements. EDA has also added the introductory phrase ``During the 
Revolving Phase,'' to the first sentence of Sec.  307.12(a).
     EDA is revising Sec.  307.12(a) to clarify that RLF Income 
earned in one fiscal year of the RLF Recipient must be used to cover 
administrative costs accrued during the same fiscal year, instead of 
the same six-month Reporting Period. Accordingly, in Sec.  
307.12(a)(1), EDA is replacing the word, ``incurred'' with ``accrued,'' 
and, in Sec.  307.12(a)(1) and (2), EDA replaced the phrase ``six-month 
Reporting Period'' with the phrase ``fiscal year of the RLF 
Recipient.'' In Sec.  307.12(a)(3), EDA replaces the phrase ``Reporting 
Period'' with ``fiscal year''. In addition, EDA is making a non-
substantive change in Sec.  307.12(a)(1) to add the phrase ``is 
earned'' after ``Such RLF Income'' to clarify that RLF Income is earned 
by the RLF Recipient as opposed to administrative costs, which are 
incurred by the RLF Recipient. In addition, in Sec.  307.12(a)(3), EDA 
replaces the phrase ``RLF Capital base'' with the proposed defined term 
``RLF Capital Base''.
     EDA is replacing former Sec.  307.12(a)(4), which required 
the submission of an RLF Income and Expense Statement (i.e., Form ED-
209I), with language that prohibits RLF Recipients from using funds in 
excess of RLF Income for administrative costs in a Recipient's fiscal 
year unless directed to do so by EDA, sets the expectation that 
administrative costs should be kept to a minimum, and states that the 
percentage of RLF Income used for administrative costs will be a 
measure under the Risk Analysis System.
     In Sec.  307.12(b), which outlines compliance guidance for 
charging costs against RLF Income, EDA makes revisions to reflect the 
promulgation of the Uniform Guidance. Specifically, in revised Sec.  
307.12(b)(1), EDA specifies that for RLF Grants made or recapitalized 
on or after December 26, 2014, the RLF Recipient must comply with the 
administrative and cost principles set out in 2 CFR part 200. 
Accordingly and in compliance with the Uniform Guidance, in revised 
Sec.  307.12(b)(2), EDA specifies that for RLF Grants awarded before 
December 26, 2014, unless otherwise indicated in the terms of the 
Grant, the RLF Recipient must comply with the cost principles set out 
in 2 CFR parts 225 (for State, local, and Indian tribal governments); 
230 (for non-profit organizations other than institutions of higher 
education, hospitals, and other organizations); or 220 (for educational 
institutions), as applicable. EDA is adding a new Sec.  307.12(b)(3) to 
specify that regardless of when an RLF Grant was awarded or 
recapitalized, the audit requirements set out as subpart F to 2 CFR 
part 200 apply to audits of the RLF Recipient for fiscal years 
beginning on or after December 26, 2014, as does the Compliance 
Supplement, as appropriate.
     In Sec.  307.12(c), EDA makes minor adjustments to clarify 
that the prioritization of payments on RLF loans includes payments on 
both defaulted RLF loans and those that have been written off, adding 
the phrase ``and written off'' to the heading of Sec.  307.12(c) and 
the first sentence of the provision between the word ``defaulted'' and 
the phrase ``RLF loan''. In addition, EDA is updating the cross 
reference to ``Sec.  307.21'' to reflect the reorganization of the 
noncompliance provisions.
     EDA is also adding new Sec.  307.12(d) to introduce 
additional clarifying language regarding the treatment of the new 
defined term Voluntarily Contributed Capital. In addition to adding a 
definition to clarify the process for contributing such additional 
capital to an RLF and to explain how the additional capital is treated 
once added to the RLF Capital Base, EDA has also added a provision 
within the section on pre-disbursement and disbursement requirements to 
specify that when an RLF Recipient wishes to add additional capital to 
the RLF Capital Base, the Recipient must submit a written request that 
specifies the source of the funds to be added. Upon approval by EDA, 
the Voluntarily Contributed Capital becomes an irrevocable part of the 
RLF

[[Page 57046]]

Capital Base and may not be subsequently withdrawn or separated from 
the RLF.
     EDA is revising the RLF reporting requirements to specify 
that records for administrative expenses must be kept for three years 
from the submission date of the last report that covers the fiscal year 
in which the costs were recorded, rather than the last semi-annual 
report that covers the Reporting Period in which the costs were 
incurred. Therefore, in Sec.  307.13(b)(2), EDA is deleting the phrase 
``last semi-annual'' between the phrase ``date of the'' and the word 
``report'' and replaced ``Reporting Period'' with ``fiscal year''. In 
addition, EDA is revising Sec.  307.13(a)(3) to specify that, 
consistent with the requirements of Sec.  307.11(a), for the duration 
of RLF operations, Recipients must retain records to demonstrate the 
adequacy of the RLF's accounting system, that standard RLF loan 
documents are in place, and that sufficient fidelity bond coverage is 
maintained. In addition, the existing requirement to make records 
available for inspection is redesignated as new Sec.  307.13(b)(2).
     EDA is removing the stipulation that all RLF reports be 
submitted to EDA on a semi-annual basis, thereby permitting EDA to 
establish a reporting frequency (annual or semi-annual) based on the 
objective risk presented by a given RLF, and allowing EDA to more 
closely monitor RLF program performance and engage with RLF Recipients 
to identify and address existing and potential challenges. Accordingly, 
EDA is revising the title of Sec.  307.14 to read ``Revolving Loan Fund 
report'' and in Sec.  307.14(a), replacing the phrase ``must complete 
and submit a semi-annual report in electronic format, unless EDA 
approves a paper submission'' with ``must complete and submit an RLF 
report, using Form ED-209 or any successor form, in a format and 
frequency as required by EDA.''
     To improve the accuracy and quality of the information 
provided during the regular reporting process, EDA now requires that 
RLF Recipients certify as part of their regular reporting to EDA that 
the RLF is operating in accordance with their RLF Plan and that the 
information being provided is complete and accurate. As such, in Sec.  
307.14(b), EDA is removing the adjective ``semi-annual'' and added the 
phrase ``and that the information provided is complete and accurate.''
     EDA is deleting the second sentence of Sec.  307.14(b) to 
clarify that proposals to modify RLF Plans cannot be made through the 
reporting process. Such modifications can only be done by separate 
notification to EDA as described in Sec.  307.9(c).
     As noted previously, because EDA no longer requires the 
submission of an RLF Income and Expense Statement, EDA is removing 
Sec.  307.14(c) in its entirety.
     EDA is clarifying the provision permitting the inclusion 
of a loan loss reserve in an RLF Recipient's financial statements, in 
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (``GAAP'') to 
show the fair market value of an RLF loan portfolio, by adding a 
sentence to the end of Sec.  307.15(a)(2) that clearly provides that 
loan loss reserves are non-cash entries only and shall not be used to 
reduce the nominal value of the RLF in the Schedule of Expenditures of 
Federal Awards. In addition, in the first sentence of Sec.  
307.15(a)(2), EDA replaces the phrase ``fair market'' with ``adjusted 
current'' to allow a loan loss reserve to be recorded as a non-cash 
entry to show the adjusted current value, which will more accurately 
reflect how RLF portfolios are valued. In addition, EDA is revising 
Sec.  307.15(a)(1) to reflect the promulgation of the Uniform Guidance, 
replacing the reference to ``in OMB Circular A-133'' with ``the audit 
requirements set out as subpart F to 2 CFR part 200'' and, after the 
reference to the Compliance Supplement, adding the phrase ``which is 
Appendix XI to 2 CFR part 200,'' to help the reader locate the 
Supplement.
     EDA is renaming Sec.  307.15(c), which was re-lettered 
from Sec.  307.15(d) to reflect the relocation of loan and accounting 
systems certification requirements to Sec.  307.11(a). This paragraph 
is now named ``RLF leveraging''. In addition, EDA is replacing the 
phrase ``private investment'' with ``additional investment'' in Sec.  
307.15(c)(1) and added new Sec.  307.15(c)(1)(iv) to read ``Loans from 
other State and local lending programs.'' This addition will broaden 
RLF leveraging requirements to enable Recipients to use funds from 
State and local lending programs, in addition to the non-guaranteed 
portions and 90 percent of the guaranteed portions of Federal loan 
programs.
     EDA has adopted a Risk Analysis System to evaluate and 
manage the performance of RLF Recipients to make the RLF program more 
effective and efficient. Such an approach will provide Recipients with 
a set of portfolio management and operations standards to evaluate 
their RLF program and improve performance. It will also provide EDA 
with an internal tool for assessing the risk of each Recipient's loan 
operations and identifying RLF Recipients that require additional 
monitoring, technical assistance, or other action. This approach to 
risk-based analysis and management is modeled on the Uniform Financial 
Institutions Rating System (the ``CAMELS'' rating system), used by 
regulators to assess financial institutions and to identify those in 
need of extra assistance or attention. The CAMELS system produces a 
composite rating by examining six components: Capital adequacy, asset 
quality, management, earnings, liquidity, and sensitivity to market 
risk. EDA intends to use factors that will likely include capital, 
assets, management, earnings, liquidity, strategic results, and 
financial controls, and to use the information and data currently 
required to be submitted by RLF Recipients in regular reporting to 
assign risk analysis ratings to each RLF. Scores will be assigned for 
each factor on a numerical scale of one to three, with three being the 
highest score. The scores will be totaled to determine each RLF 
Recipient's classification as A, B, or C, with an A classification 
reserved for the highest performers, B identifying those who are 
generally managing their program well but who may need some assistance 
on one or more areas, and C characterizing those Recipients that face 
serious challenges with their programs and require significant 
improvement. Recipients categorized as B or C will generally be given a 
reasonable amount of time to become compliant with the relevant 
requirements and improve their score. However, persistent noncompliance 
may result in EDA undertaking appropriate compliance actions, including 
requiring a corrective action plan, disallowing Grant funds, or 
suspending or terminating the RLF Grant. EDA has issued a separate 
Federal Register Notice concurrently with this final rule seeking 
comment on the set of performance measures that EDA is proposing to use 
for the initial round of scoring under the Risk Analysis System.
     To implement this transition, EDA is replacing EDA's 
current management scheme, which consists primarily of the capital 
utilization standard (see additional details on changes to this 
standard below) and monitoring loan default rates, with the Risk 
Analysis System. Accordingly, EDA is completely revising Sec.  307.16 
to name it ``Risk Analysis System'' and incorporates a description of 
the Risk Analysis System in paragraph (a) and its compliance framework 
in paragraph (b). As noted above, the final rule is relocating former 
paragraphs (a) and (b) of Sec.  307.16, which sets out requirements for 
loan closing

[[Page 57047]]

and disbursement schedules and time schedule extensions, respectively, 
as paragraphs (g) and (h) to Sec.  307.11. EDA also removes paragraphs 
(c) and (d) of the former Sec.  307.16, which outlines the capital 
utilization standard and EDA's system for monitoring loan default 
rates, respectively, in order to incorporate the new concept of 
Allowable Cash Percentage (explained more fully below in the discussion 
of changes made to Sec.  307.17).
     EDA is revising the title of Sec.  307.17 to read 
``Requirements for Revolving Loan Fund Cash Available for Lending'' and 
is replacing the term RLF Capital with the newly defined term RLF Cash 
Available for Lending in the first sentence of Sec.  307.17(a) and the 
heading and first sentence of paragraph (c) and paragraph (c)(6)(ii) of 
Sec.  307.17. In addition, EDA adds the phrase ``shall be deposited and 
held in an interest-bearing account by the Recipient and'' following 
``RLF Cash Available for Lending shall be'' in the first sentence of 
Sec.  307.17(a) to clarify how RLF Recipients must maintain RLF Cash 
Available for Lending.
     In addition, EDA is inserting the requirements for 
Allowable Cash Percentage in new Sec.  307.17(b) and is re-lettering 
former Sec.  307.17(b), which has been revised to lay out restrictions 
on RLF Cash Available for Lending, as Sec.  307.17(c). Through this 
change, EDA is adopting the concept of an Allowable Cash Percentage, 
which will be a component of the Risk Analysis System, to replace the 
capital utilization standard, which previously required Recipients to 
manage their lending and repayment schedules so that at all times at 
least 75 percent of their RLF Capital is loaned or committed. The 
Allowable Cash Percentage reflects EDA's approach to address the fact 
that different regions face very different economic and access to 
capital conditions and that a one-size-fits-all capital utilization 
standard can be difficult for RLF Recipients to meet and for EDA to 
implement. Each year, each EDA Regional Office will calculate the 
average percentage of RLF Cash Available for Lending across their RLF 
portfolio and will notify RLF Recipients by January 1 of each year of 
the Allowable Cash Percentage to be used during the Recipient's ensuing 
fiscal year. RLF Recipients will be required to manage their repayment 
and lending schedules to provide that at all times, their amount of RLF 
Cash Available for Lending does not exceed the Allowable Cash 
Percentage. Whereas noncompliance with the capital utilization standard 
frequently triggered automatic sequestration, with the more flexible 
Allowable Cash Percentage approach and the adoption of a Risk Analysis 
System, EDA will no longer require automatic sequestration of what is 
currently referred to as ``excess funds,'' the difference between the 
actual percentage of RLF Capital loaned and the capital utilization 
standard. Instead, sequestration will be considered as one of a range 
of possible tools used to ensure compliance with the terms of the RLF 
Grant.
     In Sec.  307.17(c), EDA has added language clearly stating 
that RLF Cash Available for Lending may not be used to: (1) Serve as 
collateral to obtain credit or any other type of financing without 
EDA's prior written approval; (2) support operations or administration 
of the RLF Recipient; or (3) undertake any activity that would violate 
the requirements found in 13 CFR part 314, including Sec.  314.3 
(``Authorized Use of Property'') and Sec.  314.4 (``Unauthorized Use of 
Property''). These requirements are being added as new paragraphs 
(c)(7), (8), and (9) to Sec.  307.17.
     EDA is making minor clarifying changes to the list of 
transactions for which RLF Cash Available for Lending may not be used. 
Specifically, in redesignated Sec.  307.17(c)(3), EDA replaces the 
sentence ``Provide for borrowers' required equity contributions under 
other Federal Agencies' loan programs'' with ``Provide a loan to a 
borrower for the purpose of meeting the requirements of equity 
contributions under another Federal Agency's loan program''. In 
addition, in the second sentence of redesignated Sec.  
307.17(c)(6)(ii), EDA replaces the phrase ``RLF Capital'' with ``RLF 
funds'' and the phrase ``reasonable period of time, as determined by 
EDA'' with ``reasonable time frame approved by EDA''. As noted above, 
former Sec.  307.17(d) is now removed so all provisions regarding In-
Kind Contributions are located in Sec.  307.11(f).
     EDA has removed former paragraph (e) in Sec.  307.17, 
which provided for compliance and loan quality reviews by independent 
third parties. This provision was deemed unnecessary as this type of 
review could be accomplished through other mechanisms already 
available.
     EDA is clarifying that it can approve changes to a Lending 
Area at the request of an RLF Recipient by adding language to specify 
that an approved Lending Area remains in place until EDA approves a 
subsequent request for a New Lending Area. In Sec.  307.18(a)(2), EDA 
added the introductory phrase ``Following EDA approval,'' and replaced 
the concluding phrase ``shall remain in place indefinitely following 
EDA approval'' with ``shall remain in place until EDA approves a 
subsequent request for a New Lending Area''.
     EDA has also made revisions to distinguish between the 
addition of lending areas and mergers of RLFs. EDA is removing the 
word, ``merged,'' from the discussion of additional lending areas in 
the second sentence of Sec.  307.18(a)(1) to clarify that merging RLFs 
and adding lending areas are two different transactions. EDA is also 
clarifying the terminology in Sec.  307.18(b)(1) used to describe a 
consolidated RLF by replacing the word ``surviving'' with the word 
``combined''. This change is designed to make clearer the distinction 
between consolidations, which involve a single RLF Recipient, and 
mergers, which involve multiple RLF Recipients.
     For clarity, EDA has reorganized the compliance 
regulations by separating them into one section describing what actions 
are considered noncompliance (new Sec.  307.20 with the title 
``Noncompliance'') and another section listing remedies for 
noncompliance (new Sec.  307.21 with the title ``Remedies for 
noncompliance''). This reorganization is designed to help all RLF 
stakeholders understand problematic practices and appropriate remedies.
     EDA also revised the list of problematic practices that 
could result in disallowances of a portion of an RLF. EDA has removed 
the following from this list to reflect their incorporation into the 
Risk Analysis System: (1) Having RLF loans that are more than 120 days 
delinquent; and (2) having excess cash sequestered for 12 months or 
longer without an EDA-approved extension request. Despite being removed 
from the list of practices that could result in a disallowance, EDA 
will continue to monitor loan delinquency through the Risk Analysis 
System and by reviewing the procedures for dealing with delinquent 
loans as set out in each RLF Recipient's RLF Plan. With regards to 
excess sequestered cash, as discussed above, the automatic 
sequestration of funds is now being addressed by the Risk Analysis 
System and the use of an Allowable Cash Percentage. However, EDA does 
reserve the right to take appropriate compliance action (including 
requiring sequestration) if an RLF Recipient holds RLF Cash Available 
for Lending so that it is 50 percent or more of the RLF Capital Base 
without an EDA-approved extension request.
     EDA has also clarified the provision regarding a 
Recipient's duty to compensate the Federal Government for

[[Page 57048]]

the Federal Share of the RLF Grant in the event that the Recipient 
requests termination of the Grant (Sec.  307.21(d)). EDA revised this 
regulation to make it clearer that the Recipient must compensate for 
the Federal share of the RLF Capital Base, including the monetary value 
of all outstanding loan principal.
     EDA has also removed the provision that required 
Recipients, after termination of an RLF Grant, to seek EDA approval to 
retain and use for other economic development activities the RLF 
Recipients' share of RLF Income generated by the RLF. By removing this 
provision, EDA is clarifying that Recipients do not need to seek EDA 
approval to use their share of funds returned to them following 
termination of an RLF.

Part 308--Performance Incentives

    EDA is making no changes to part 308.

Part 309--Redistributions of Investment Assistance

    EDA has made several revisions to part 309, which sets forth EDA's 
policies regarding redistributing grant funds in the form of subgrants, 
loans, or other appropriate assistance. In both Sec. Sec.  309.1 and 
309.2, EDA clarifies EDA's practice of requiring the Eligible Recipient 
under the original award to comply with special award conditions and 
any Subrecipient (in accordance with the newly defined term at Sec.  
300.3) to provide appropriate certifications of compliance with 
relevant legal requirements. Accordingly, EDA has added the sentence 
``EDA may require the Eligible Recipient under the original Investment 
award to agree to special award conditions and the Subrecipient to 
provide appropriate certifications to ensure the Subrecipient's 
compliance with legal requirements'' to Sec. Sec.  309.1(a) and 
309.2(b). In addition, EDA has added language to refer to the newly 
defined term Subrecipient in Sec.  300.3 by adding the phrase ``, 
generally referred to as a Subrecipient,'' to the first sentence of 
Sec.  309.1(a) and Sec.  309.2(a)(1).

Part 310--Special Impact Areas

    EDA is making no changes to part 310.

Parts 311 and 312--[Reserved]

Part 313--Community Trade Adjustment Assistance

    EDA is making no revisions to part 313.

Part 314--Property

    EDA is making revisions to multiple provisions in part 314 to 
clarify terminology and its authority to release the Federal Interest 
20 years after the date of the award of Investment Assistance. The 
changes are, as set out in the NPRM, as follows:
     For clarity and to conform to the changes made to the RLF 
program, EDA is adding a phrase to clarify that Personal Property 
includes the RLF Capital Base, adding the phrase ``, including the RLF 
Capital Base as defined at Sec.  307.8'' to the definition of Personal 
Property set out at Sec.  314.1.
     In addition, for clarity and to avoid repetitive language 
throughout part 314, EDA has added a definition of Project Property to 
read as set out in the regulatory text below.
     In addition, EDA has simplified the definition of Real 
Property to clarify that, in the context of part 314 and for the 
purposes of EDA Investment Assistance, Real Property may include 
Property that is served by the construction of Project infrastructure, 
where such infrastructure is not located on or under the Property. 
Accordingly, EDA is replacing the word ``improved'' in the second 
sentence of the definition with the word ``served'' and removing the 
phrase ``that are not situated on or under the land''. EDA has also put 
the exemplar list of infrastructure projects ``such as roads, sewer, 
and water lines'' in parentheses and removed the phrase ``, but not 
limited to'' from the exemplar list because it is unnecessary. Removing 
``but not limited to'' is not substantive and does not make the list 
exclusive.
     In Sec.  314.2 (``Federal Interest''), EDA is adding a 
sentence to the beginning of paragraph (a) to set out the general 
expectation that title to Project Property vests upon acquisition with 
the Recipient. In addition, in the now second sentence of Sec.  
314.2(a), EDA is replacing the phrase ``Property that is acquired or 
improved, in whole or in part, with Investment Assistance'' with the 
newly defined term Project Property. For clarity, EDA has split the 
sentence regarding the purpose of the Federal Interest and how it is 
secured into two sentences and replace the word ``secures'' in the now 
third sentence with the word ``ensures'' and also add the phrase ``EDA 
Project requirements, including those related to'' between ``ensures 
compliance with'' and ``the purpose, scope, and use of a Project''. 
With respect to the method by which Recipients must secure the Federal 
Interest, EDA has replaced the phrase ``and is often reflected by'' 
with the phrase ``The Recipient typically must secure the Federal 
Interest through''.
     In Sec.  314.2(b), EDA replaces the phrase ``Property 
acquired or improved, in whole or in part, with Investment Assistance'' 
with the newly defined term Project Property. In addition, to highlight 
that nondiscrimination requirements continue to apply even if the 
Federal Government is compensated for the Federal Share, EDA has added 
the phrase ``except as provided in Sec.  314.10(e)(3) regarding 
nondiscrimination requirements'' to the end of Sec.  314.2(b).
     In Sec.  314.3 (``Authorized Use of Property''), EDA has 
revised the title of the regulation to read ``Authorized Use of Project 
Property'' to reflect the newly defined term Project Property. EDA has 
also divided former paragraph (e), which addresses requirements for 
replacement Personal Property and Real Property, into two separate 
paragraphs that address the requirements of the different types of 
Property. Accordingly, EDA has moved the sentence that addresses 
replacement Real Property that was formerly the final sentence of Sec.  
314.3(e) into new Sec.  314.3(f) and redesignated the regulation 
accordingly, redesignating current Sec.  314.3(f) as new Sec.  
314.3(g). In addition, EDA has added paragraph headings to help the 
reader better navigate the section and find information more quickly. 
Accordingly, EDA added the heading ``General'' to Sec.  314.3(a), 
``Project Property that is no longer needed for Project purposes'' to 
Sec.  314.3(b), ``Real Property for sale or lease'' to Sec.  314.3(c), 
``Property transfers and Successor Recipients'' to Sec.  314.3(d), 
``Replacement Personal Property'' to Sec.  314.3(e), ``Replacement Real 
Property'' to Sec.  314.3(f), and ``Incidental use of Project 
Property'' to Sec.  314.3(g).
     In both Sec.  314.3(a) and (b), EDA has replaced the 
phrase ``Property acquired or improved, in whole or in part, with 
Investment Assistance'' with the newly defined term ``Project 
Property'' and in the first sentence of both Sec.  314.3(d) and (g), 
EDA added the word ``Project'' before ``Property'' to incorporate the 
newly defined term ``Project Property.'' Finally, in Sec.  314.3(g), 
which addresses under what circumstances EDA can approve an incidental 
use of Project Property, EDA has added the phrase ``undermine the 
economic purpose for which the Investment was made'' between 
``otherwise'' and ``or adversely'' to clarify that in addition to not 
adversely affecting the economic useful life of the Property, an 
approved incidental use of Project Property must not undermine the 
purpose of the Investment.
     In Sec.  314.4 (``Unauthorized Use of Property''), EDA has 
revised the title of the regulation to read ``Unauthorized Use of 
Project Property'' to reflect the newly defined term ``Project 
Property''. In addition, EDA has added paragraph

[[Page 57049]]

headings to help the reader navigate the regulation, adding the heading 
``Compensation of Federal Share upon an Unauthorized Use of Project 
Property'' to Sec.  314.4(a), ``Additional Unauthorized Uses of Project 
Property'' to Sec.  314.4(b), and ``Recovery of the Federal Share'' to 
Sec.  314.4(c). In Sec.  314.4(a), EDA has made minor clarifying 
changes, specifically replacing ``EDA's interest'' with ``the Federal 
Interest'', capitalizing the word ``Government'' as used in the term 
``Federal Government'', replacing ``Property acquired or improved in 
whole or in part with Investment Assistance'' with the newly defined 
term ``Project Property'', and replacing a reference to 15 CFR part 14 
or 24 with ``2 CFR part 200''. EDA has made similar clarifying changes 
to Sec.  314.4(b), replacing ``EDA's interest'' with ``the Federal 
Interest'' and ``Real Property or tangible personal property acquired 
or improved with EDA Investment Assistance'' with the phrase ``Project 
Real Property or tangible Project Personal Property''. Finally, in 
Sec.  314.4(c), in the first sentence EDA is adding the word 
``Project'' before two instances of the word ``Property'', replacing 
``its interest'' with ``the Federal Interest'', and capitalizing the 
word ``Government'' in ``Federal Government''. In the final sentence of 
the paragraph, EDA has capitalized ``Government'' in ``Federal 
Government'' and added a reference to the ongoing requirement that 
Project Property not be used in violation of nondiscrimination 
requirements even after the compensation of the Federal Share by adding 
the phrase ``, except for the nondiscrimination requirements set forth 
in Sec.  314.10(d)(3)'' to the end of the paragraph.
     Section 314.5 (``Federal Share'') addresses the portion of 
Project Property attributable to EDA's Investment Assistance. In Sec.  
314.5(a), EDA has added two new sentences to explain EDA's usual 
practice of relying on a certified appraisal prepared by a licensed 
appraiser to determine the fair market value of Project Property and 
has also provided that in certain extraordinary circumstances, and at 
the agency's sole discretion, EDA may rely on an alternative method to 
determine the fair market value, such as the amount of the award of 
Investment Assistance, the amount paid by a transferee, or tax 
assessments. EDA recognizes that in certain, very unusual 
circumstances, such as when Property is located in an extremely remote 
location or, for whatever reasons, there are no buyers for similar 
Property, it may be impossible or cost prohibitive to obtain a 
certified appraisal and wanted to provide for this situation. 
Therefore, EDA has added the following sentences to the paragraph: 
``EDA may rely on a current certified appraisal of the Project Property 
prepared by an appraiser licensed in the State where the Project 
Property is located to determine the fair market value. In 
extraordinary circumstances and at EDA's sole discretion, where EDA is 
unable to determine the current fair market value, EDA may use other 
methods of determining the value of Project Property, including the 
amount of the award of Investment Assistance or the amount paid by a 
transferee.'' In addition, EDA has added the word ``Project'' before 
``Property'' in the first sentence of the paragraph and the phrase ``or 
other valuation as determined by EDA'' between ``fair market value'' 
and ``of the Property'' in the final sentence of the paragraph.
     In Sec.  314.6 (``Encumbrances''), EDA has revised 
paragraph (a) to replace the phrase ``Recipient-owned Property acquired 
or improved in whole or improved in whole or in part with Investment 
Assistance'' with the newly defined term ``Project Property''. In 
addition, in the exception that permits encumbrances only to secure a 
grant or loan made by a governmental body, EDA has added the phrase 
``so long as the Recipient discloses such an encumbrance in writing as 
part of its application for Investment Assistance or as soon as 
practicable after learning of the encumbrance'' to reflect the 
requirement that the Recipient expeditiously disclose any such 
encumbrance to EDA. In Sec.  314.6(b)(3) on pre-existing encumbrances, 
EDA has added the phrase ``and disclosed to EDA'' between ``in place'' 
and ``at the time'' to underscore that the Recipient must disclose pre-
existing encumbrances to EDA and added ``, in its sole discretion,'' to 
underscore that the approval of pre-existing encumbrances is at EDA's 
discretion. In addition, because pre-existing encumbrances pose the 
same risks to Project Property as other types of encumbrances, EDA has 
revised Sec.  314.6(b)(3) to incorporate certain requirements from the 
subparagraphs setting out requirements for encumbrances proposed both 
proximate to and after Project approval: Namely, that for EDA to 
approve a pre-existing encumbrance, in addition to the requirement that 
EDA determine that the requirements of Sec.  314.7(b) are met, EDA must 
also determine that the terms and conditions of the encumbrance are 
satisfactory and that there is a reasonable expectation that the 
Recipient will not default on its obligations. EDA renumbered these 
three requirements as Sec.  314.6(b)(3)(i), (ii), and (iii), 
respectively.
     EDA is making minor stylistic changes to Sec.  
314.6(b)(4)(v)(B) and (b)(5)(v)(B) to add the phrase ``A Recipient that 
is a'' to the beginning of the subparagraph to maintain the parallel 
nature of the list. In addition, in Sec.  314.5(c), EDA has replaced 
the phrase ``Recipient-owned Property'' with ``Project Property''. As 
specified in the government-wide grant regulations set out at 2 CFR 
part 200 and noted in the proposed revisions to Sec.  314.2(a), Project 
Property generally vests upon acquisition in the Recipient, and so the 
adjective ``Recipient-owned'' is unnecessary.
     In Sec.  314.7 (``Title''), EDA has added language to 
paragraph (a) to highlight that certain limited exceptions apply to the 
title requirement, make the provision more readable, and refer directly 
to the definition of Real Property set out in Sec.  314.1. As such, EDA 
is adding the introductory phrase ``Except in those limited 
circumstances identified in paragraph (c) of this section'' to the 
first sentence. In addition, EDA has relocated the temporal requirement 
of when title must be obtained to the beginning of the sentence by 
adding ``, at the time Investment Assistance is awarded'' between ``in 
paragraph (c) of this section'' and ``the Recipient''. For clarity with 
respect to EDA's requirements, EDA is including a reference to the 
definition of Real Property in Sec.  314.1 to the first sentence of the 
paragraph. EDA has also broken into a separate sentence the requirement 
that the Recipient maintain title at all times during the Estimated 
Useful Life of the Project, which EDA is placing as the second sentence 
of the paragraph. EDA has replaced the phrase ``Real Property required 
for a project'' with the defined term ``Project Real Property'' in both 
the first and third sentences of Sec.  314.7(a).
     Throughout paragraph (c) of Sec.  314.7, which outlines 
the exceptions to EDA's title requirement, EDA has replaced the phrase 
``the Real Property required for a Project'' with ``Project Real 
Property''. EDA has added the clause ``at the time Investment 
Assistance is awarded and at all times during the Estimated Useful Life 
of the Project'' to the introductory sentence at Sec.  314.7(c), added 
``Project'' before ``Real Property'' twice in Sec.  314.7(c)(1), and 
capitalized ``Government'' in ``Federal Government'' in Sec.  
314.7(c)(1)(ii). In Sec.  314.7(c)(4), which clarifies the

[[Page 57050]]

exception for the title requirement when a Project includes 
construction on government-owned roads, EDA has made additional non-
substantive changes to replace the phrase ``public highway'' with the 
more descriptive ``State or local government owned roadway or highway'' 
in the heading, first sentence of Sec.  314.7(c)(4), and first clause 
of Sec.  314.7(c)(4)(ii)(B). To avoid excessive wordiness, EDA has 
maintained the phrase ``public highway'' where it exists in the 
remainder of the provision, but revise it to read ``public roadway or 
highway'' and note that the exception in this provision is intended to 
apply to State or local government owned roadways or highways.
     In Sec.  314.7(c)(5)(i), which sets out EDA's requirements 
when the purpose of a Project is to construct facilities to serve 
Recipient or privately owned Real Property, EDA is making clarifying 
syntax changes to revise the phrase ``Real Property, including 
industrial or commercial parks, for sale or lease'' to read ``Project 
Real Property, including industrial or commercial parks, so that the 
Recipient or Owner may sell or lease''. In paragraph (c)(5)(i)(A), EDA 
is replacing the phrase ``required for such Project'' with the 
clarifying phrase ``intended for sale or lease'' and has added a cross-
reference to the appropriate title requirements by adding the phrase 
``in accordance with paragraphs (c)(5)(i)(C) through (E) of this 
section'' to the end of the paragraph. In paragraph (c)(5)(i)(B), EDA 
has replaced ``required for such Project'' with ``intended for lease'', 
and in paragraph (c)(5)(iii) EDA has capitalized ``Owner''.
     Section 314.8 (``Recorded Statement for Project Real 
Property'') sets out requirements for recording the Federal Interest in 
Project Real Property. Throughout the provision, EDA has replaced three 
instances of ``EDA's interest'' with ``the Federal Interest'' and use 
the defined term ``Project Real Property'' as appropriate, including 
using the term in the heading of the section and replacing ``the 
Property acquired or improved in whole or in part with the EDA Invest 
Assistance'' in paragraph (a), ``Real Property'' in paragraph (b), and 
``Project Property'' in paragraph (d).
     In Sec.  314.9 (``Recorded statement for Personal 
Property''), EDA is revising the provision to clarify that the recorded 
statement, which is generally a Uniform Commercial Code Financing 
Statement (``Form UCC-1''), provides notice of the Federal Interest in 
Project Personal Property, but does not create a lien on the Property 
by inserting the phrase ``provide notice of the Federal Interest in all 
Project Personal Property by executing'' between ``the Recipient 
shall'' and ``a Uniform Commercial Code Financing Statement'' in the 
first sentence of the provision. In addition, EDA uses the term 
``Project Personal Property'' appropriately throughout the provision, 
including in the title to the section, inserting ``Project'' before the 
phrase ``Personal Property, acceptable in form and substance to EDA'' 
in the first sentence of the section, and replacing ``Personal Property 
acquired or improved as part of the Project'' with ``all Project 
Personal Property'' in the second sentence of the section, and 
replacing ``EDA's interest'' with ``the Federal Interest'' in the first 
sentence to the regulation.
     Section 314.10 (``Release of EDA's Property Interest'') 
describes EDA's procedures for releasing the agency's interest in 
Project Property. EDA is replacing the term ``EDA's Property Interest'' 
with ``the Federal Interest'' in the titles of both subpart D and Sec.  
314.10 and throughout Sec.  314.10 for clarity and consistency. This 
change does not implicate any substantive change to the Federal 
Government's undivided equitable reversionary interest in award 
property, but is intended to ensure consistency within EDA's own 
regulations as well as with 2 CFR part 200. In addition, in Sec.  
314.10(a), EDA is replacing the phrase ``Property acquired or improved 
with Investment Assistance'' with ``Project Property'' for consistency 
with the proposed defined term at Sec.  314.1 and its usage throughout 
part 314. In addition, EDA has removed the portions of paragraph (a) 
that provide background on EDA's historical practice for establishing 
the Estimated Useful Life of specific Projects. Although this 
historical language provided useful background, it is not necessary for 
the regulation. It is accurate that since 1999, EDA has typically 
established useful lives of between 15 and 20 years, depending on the 
nature of the asset. As EDA noted in the 2011 NPRM, the Economic 
Development Administration and Appalachian Regional Development Reform 
Act of 1998 (Pub. L. 105-393) added section 601(d) to PWEDA (42 U.S.C. 
3211(d)) to allow EDA to release its interest in Real or Personal 
Property after 20 years. This amendment was designed to provide EDA 
with additional flexibilities to release its interest in Project 
Property, particularly as some Projects implicated 40-year Estimated 
Useful Lives, not to mandate a minimum 20-year useful life for all 
Project Property. Although these regulatory provisions provided useful 
background, they were not necessary for the regulation and we believe 
maintaining this history in the preamble is sufficient. Accordingly, 
EDA has removed the concluding clause of the second sentence and the 
third sentence of paragraph (a) and combined the first and second 
sentence of the paragraph to read ``As provided in Sec.  314.2 of this 
chapter, the Federal Interest in Project Property extends for the 
duration of the Estimated Useful Life of the Project, which is 
determined by EDA at the time of Investment award.'' EDA has also 
simplified the final sentence in paragraph (a), replacing the phrase 
``govern the manner of obtaining'' with the word ``obtain'' and adding 
the phrase ``in Project Property'' at the end of the sentence following 
the phrase ``of the Federal Interest''.
     In Sec.  314.10(b), which sets forth EDA's procedures for 
releasing the Federal Interest after the expiration of the Estimated 
Useful Life, EDA has revised the paragraph heading to read ``Release of 
the Federal Interest'' instead of ``Release of Property'' to more 
accurately reflect the content of the provision, corrected a typo in 
the second sentence by adding the word ``the'' between ``in writing 
by'' and ``Recipient'', and added a sentence to the end of the 
paragraph that provides a helpful cross reference to Sec.  314.10(e), 
which lays out the limitations and covenants of use that are applicable 
to any release of the Federal Interest.
     In Sec.  314.10(c), which outlines EDA's procedures for 
releasing the Federal Interest before the expiration of the Estimated 
Useful Life, which release requires compensation of the Federal 
Interest, EDA has corrected a typo in the paragraph heading by adding 
the word ``the'' between ``prior to'' and ``expiration''. In addition, 
as more fully explained in the description of revisions to paragraph 
(e) below, EDA has added a clause to clarify that when EDA releases the 
Federal Interest after receiving compensation for such interest, EDA 
has no further interest in the property, except for specific 
nondiscrimination requirements. Accordingly, EDA has added a concluding 
clause to the final sentence of the paragraph to read ``and thereafter 
will have no further interest in the ownership, use, or Disposition of 
the Property, except for the nondiscrimination requirements set forth 
in paragraph (e)(3) of this section.''
     Paragraph (d) of Sec.  314.10 sets out EDA's procedures 
for releasing the Federal Interest before the expiration of the 
Estimated Useful Life, but at least 20 years after the award of 
Investment Assistance, as authorized under section

[[Page 57051]]

601(d)(2) of PWEDA. This authority is generally applicable when the 
Estimated Useful Life is long (i.e., 30 or 40 years) and when the 
Recipient has complied with all terms of the award of Investment 
Assistance and the economic development benefits of the award have been 
achieved. To clarify the intent of this paragraph, EDA has revised the 
heading to read ``Release of the Federal Interest before the expiration 
of the Estimated Useful Life, but 20 years after the award of 
Investment Assistance''. EDA has made additional clarifying changes 
throughout the paragraph. In the first sentence of the paragraph, EDA 
is replacing the phrase ``that exceeds 20 years'' with ``, but where 20 
years have elapsed since the award of Investment Assistance''. In 
addition, EDA has clarified that in order to release the Federal 
interest in such a situation, EDA must determine that the Recipient has 
made a good faith effort to fulfill all terms and conditions of the 
award of Investment Assistance; and that the economic development 
benefits as set out in the award of Investment Assistance have been 
achieved. As with paragraph (b), EDA has added a sentence to the end of 
this paragraph that provides a necessary cross reference to Sec.  
314.10(e), which sets out the limitations and covenants of use that are 
applicable to any release of the Federal Interest.
     Finally, in paragraph (e), EDA is making needed 
corrections and clarifications to limitations of use and required 
covenants applicable to a release of the Federal Interest. When EDA 
releases its interest at the expiration of the Estimated Useful Life 
under Sec.  314.10(b) or releases its interest before the expiration of 
the Estimated Useful Life, but after at least 20 years have elapsed 
since the award of Investment Assistance under Sec.  314.10(d), two use 
limitations on Project Property survive the release: (1) Such Property 
may not be used for explicitly religious purposes; and (2) such 
Property may not be used in violation of the nondiscrimination 
requirements set out in Sec.  302.20. However, in the above two 
scenarios, if compensation is made to EDA of the Federal Interest at 
the time of the release or anytime thereafter, the requirement that 
Project Property not be used for explicitly religious purposes will be 
extinguished. Similarly, when EDA releases the Federal Interest before 
the expiration of the Estimated Useful Life and upon compensation of 
the Federal Interest, the requirement that Project Property not be used 
for explicitly religious purposes no longer remains. Note that while 
Sec.  314.10 currently makes references to ``inherently religious 
purposes,'' EDA has changed these references to ``explicitly religious 
purposes'' to be consistent with recent rulemakings by nine other 
Federal agencies implementing Executive Order 13559. See, e.g., 28 CFR 
38.5(a) (Department of Justice); 81 FR 19358-59. The term ``explicitly 
religious activities'' clarifies that the prohibition is against 
external, observable activities, and not directed against the religious 
motivation an entity may have in providing services.
     EDA has made revisions to paragraphs (e)(2) and (3) to 
make the points above as clear as possible. Specifically, EDA has added 
a final sentence to paragraph (e)(2) clarifying that when requesting 
release of the Federal Interest, the Recipient must disclose the future 
intended use of the Real Property. New paragraph (e)(2)(i) clarifies 
that a Recipient not intending to use the Real Property or tangible 
Personal Property for explicitly religious activities will be required 
to execute and record a covenant prohibiting use of the Real Property 
for explicitly religious activities. New paragraph (e)(2)(ii) clarifies 
the requirements for a Recipient that intends or foresees the use of 
Real Property or tangible Personal Property for explicitly religious 
activities. In this case, EDA may require the Recipient to compensate 
the agency for the Federal Interest to obtain a release and resulting 
waiver of the ``explicitly religious activities'' prohibition, and 
recommends that any such Recipient contact EDA well in advance of 
requesting a release. It is important to recognize that the structure 
now in place--payment of the Federal Interest excusing the Recipient 
from having to comply with the religious use prohibition but not 
excusing continued compliance with the non-discrimination prohibition--
was actually in place before EDA's January 2015 Final Rule became 
effective on January 20, 2015. As became clear in the past year when 
the agency was confronted with several situations involving the 
religious use prohibition, the January 2015 Final Rule appears to have 
inadvertently amended certain language in Sec.  314.10 that created 
ambiguity and unintended consequences that necessitates these changes. 
Paragraph (e)(3) is being revised so that it specifies the requirement 
that Real Property or tangible Personal Property not be used in 
violation of the nondiscrimination requirements of Sec.  302.20. 
Therefore, EDA has added the clause ``, including a release upon a 
Recipient's compensation for the Federal Share'' between ``under this 
section'' and ``a Recipient must'' in the first sentence of paragraph 
(e)(3). In addition, where paragraph (e)(3) specifies the requirements 
for avoiding any discriminatory use of Project Property, EDA has 
removed two instances of the phrase ``for inherently religious 
activities prohibited by applicable Federal law and'' from the first 
and second sentences. EDA emphasizes that the differing treatments of 
the religious use covenant and non-discrimination covenant, which has 
been part of EDA's regulatory framework for a number of years, is in 
our view justified by the fact that different legal authorities control 
the agency's obligations in each situation.

Part 315--Trade Adjustment Assistance for Firms

    EDA has made no revisions to part 315.

Classification

Regulatory Flexibility Act

    Prior notice and opportunity for public comment are not required 
for rules concerning public property, loans, grants, benefits, and 
contracts (5 U.S.C. 553(a)(2)). Because prior notice and an opportunity 
for public comment are not required pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553, or any 
other law, the analytical requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility 
Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.) are inapplicable. Therefore, a regulatory 
flexibility analysis has not been prepared.

Executive Orders No. 12866, 13563, and 13771

    This final rule was drafted in accordance with Executive Orders 
12866, 13563, and 13771. It was reviewed by the Office of Management 
and Budget (``OMB''), which found the final rule to be ``significant'' 
as defined by Executive Orders 12866 and 13563. Accordingly, the final 
rule has undergone interagency review.
    This final rule lessens the costs to RLF Recipients to comply with 
EDA RLF regulations, as discussed further below. It is therefore a 
``deregulatory action'' pursuant to the April 5, 2017, OMB guidance 
memorandum implementing Executive Order 13771.
    Further, as EDA has determined that this final rule will result in 
reduced costs, it may be used to offset other regulations consistent 
with the provisions of Executive Order 13771, which requires that 
incremental costs associated with a new regulation be

[[Page 57052]]

offset by a commensurate reduction in existing regulatory costs. This 
action results in an overall annual cost reduction of $961,673 after 
calculating the costs of revisions to four cost categories. First, 
because under the final rule RLF Recipients will need to submit fewer 
reports to EDA each year, and those reports will be easier to complete 
and review using a revised form, RLF reporting costs are projected to 
decrease by $518,956 annually. Note that by including the cost 
reduction associated with a form revision in this deregulatory action, 
EDA will not claim a separate offset in the separate Paperwork 
Reduction Act notice that solicits public comment on the revised form 
(Form ED-209). Second, EDA projects that it will cost an additional 
$520,000 per year for RLF Recipients to conduct required audits. Third, 
RLF Recipient compliance costs are projected to fall by $430,068 
annually because the risk-based oversight framework will address RLF 
compliance issues earlier and more efficiently. Fourth, EDA oversight 
and monitoring costs will fall by $532,650 per year due to the expected 
reduction in required oversight caused by the transition to a risk-
based framework that will identify RLF issues earlier and allow them to 
be resolved more efficiently. The net present value of such costs for a 
five-year period is $4,578,544 if a discount rate of three percent is 
applied and $4,092,989 if a discount rate of seven percent is applied; 
both calculations are conducted pursuant to OMB Circular A-4, 
Regulatory Analysis (Sept. 17, 2003).

Congressional Review Act

    This final rule is not major under the Congressional Review Act (5 
U.S.C. 801 et seq.).

Executive Order No. 13132

    Executive Order 13132 requires agencies to develop an accountable 
process to ensure ``meaningful and timely input by State and local 
officials in the development of regulatory policies that have 
federalism implications.'' ``Policies that have federalism 
implications'' is defined in Executive Order 13132 to include 
regulations that have ``substantial direct effects on the States, on 
the relationship between the national government and the States, or on 
the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels 
of government.'' It has been determined that this final rule does not 
contain policies that have federalism implications.

Paperwork Reduction Act

    The Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.) 
(``PRA'') requires that a Federal agency consider the impact of 
paperwork and other information collection burdens imposed on the 
public and, under the provisions of PRA section 3507(d), obtain 
approval from OMB for each collection of information it conducts, 
sponsors, or requires through regulations. Notwithstanding any other 
provision of law, no person is required to respond to, nor shall any 
person be subject to a penalty for failure to comply with a collection 
of information subject to the PRA unless that collection displays a 
currently valid OMB Control Number.
    The following table provides a complete list of the collections of 
information (and corresponding OMB Control Numbers) set forth in this 
rule. These collections of information are necessary for the proper 
performance and functions of EDA. The final rule does not include a new 
information collection requirement and will, thus, use the previously 
approved ED-209 form to collect information relevant to the grant 
performance. Nevertheless, EDA is proceeding simultaneously to seek 
public comments to and OMB approval of updates to the ED-209 to reflect 
the changes made in this final rule.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Part or section  of this                              Form/title/OMB
         final rule             Nature of request       control number
------------------------------------------------------------------------
307.14(a)..................  All RLF Recipients must  ED-209, RLF Report
                              submit reports to EDA    (0610-0095).
                              in a format designated
                              by EDA.
307.14(b)..................  All Recipients must      ED-209, RLF Report
                              certify as part of the   (0610-0095).
                              report that the RLF is
                              operating in
                              accordance with the
                              RLF Plan and that the
                              information provided
                              is complete and
                              accurate.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

List of Subjects

13 CFR Part 300

    Distressed region, Financial assistance, Headquarters, Regional 
offices.

13 CFR Part 301

    Applicant and application requirements, Economic distress levels, 
Eligibility requirements, Grant administration, Grant programs, 
Investment rates.

13 CFR Part 302

    Civil rights, Conflicts-of-interest, Environmental review, Federal 
policy and procedures, Fees, Intergovernmental review, Post-approval 
requirements, Pre-approval requirements, Project administration, 
Reporting and audit requirements.

13 CFR Part 303

    Award and application requirements, Comprehensive economic 
development strategy, Planning, Short-term planning investments, State 
plans.

13 CFR Part 304

    District modification and termination, Economic development 
district, Organizational requirements, Performance evaluations.

13 CFR Part 305

    Award and application requirements, Economic development, Public 
works, Requirements for approved projects.

13 CFR Part 307

    Award and application requirements, Economic adjustment assistance, 
Income, Liquidation, Merger, Revolving loan fund, Pre-loan 
requirements, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Sales and 
securitizations, Termination.

13 CFR Part 309

    Redistributions of investment assistance, Subgrants, Subrecipients.

13 CFR Part 314

    Authorized use, Federal interest, Federal share, Property, Property 
interest, Release, Title.

Regulatory Text

    For the reasons discussed above, EDA amends 13 CFR chapter III as 
follows:

PART 300--GENERAL INFORMATION

0
1. Revise the authority citation of part 300 to read as follows:

    Authority: 42 U.S.C. 3121; 42 U.S.C. 3122; 42 U.S.C. 3211; 15 
U.S.C. 3701; Department of Commerce Organization Order 10-4.


0
2. Amend Sec.  300.3 by:

[[Page 57053]]

0
a. Adding a definition for Co-Recipient in alphabetical order;
0
b. Revising the definitions of In-Kind Contribution(s) and Project; and
0
c. Adding definitions for Stevenson-Wydler and Subrecipient in 
alphabetical order.
    The revisions and additions read as follows:


Sec.  300.3  Definitions.

* * * * *
    Co-Recipient means one of multiple Recipients awarded Investment 
Assistance under a single award. Unless otherwise provided in the terms 
and conditions of the Investment Assistance, each Co-Recipient is 
jointly and severally liable for fulfilling the terms of the Investment 
Assistance.
* * * * *
    In-Kind Contribution(s) means non-cash contributions, which may 
include contributions of space, equipment, services and assumptions of 
debt that are fairly evaluated by EDA and that satisfy applicable 
Federal uniform administrative requirements and cost principles as set 
out in 2 CFR part 200.
* * * * *
    Project means the proposed or authorized activity (or activities) 
the purpose of which fulfills EDA's mission and program requirements as 
set forth in PWEDA or Stevenson-Wydler and this chapter and which may 
be funded in whole or in part by EDA Investment Assistance.
* * * * *
    Stevenson-Wydler, for purposes of EDA, means the Stevenson-Wydler 
Technology Innovation Act of 1980, as amended (15 U.S.C. 3701 et seq.).
    Subrecipient means an Eligible Recipient that receives a 
redistribution of Investment Assistance in the form of a subgrant, 
under part 309 of this chapter, from another Eligible Recipient to 
carry out part of a Federal program.
* * * * *

PART 301--ELIGIBILITY, INVESTMENT RATE AND APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

0
3. The authority citation for part 301 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 42 U.S.C. 3121; 42 U.S.C. 3141-3147; 42 U.S.C. 3149; 
42 U.S.C. 3161; 42 U.S.C. 3175; 42 U.S.C. 3192; 42 U.S.C. 3194; 42 
U.S.C. 3211; 42 U.S.C. 3233; Department of Commerce Delegation Order 
10-4.


0
4. Revise paragraph (b) of Sec.  301.2 to read as follows:


Sec.  301.2  Applicant eligibility.

* * * * *
    (b) An Eligible Applicant that is a non-profit organization must 
include in its application for Investment Assistance a resolution 
passed by (or a letter signed by) an authorized representative of a 
general purpose political subdivision of a State, acknowledging that it 
is acting in cooperation with officials of such political subdivision. 
EDA, at its sole discretion, may waive this cooperation requirement for 
certain Projects of a significant Regional or national scope under part 
306 or 307 of this chapter. See Sec. Sec.  306.3(b), 306.6(b), and 
307.5(b) of this chapter.

0
5. Revise Sec.  301.5 to read as follows:


Sec.  301.5  Matching share requirements.

    The required Matching Share of a Project's eligible costs may 
consist of cash or In-Kind Contributions. In addition, the Eligible 
Applicant must provide documentation to EDA demonstrating that the 
Matching Share is committed to the Project, will be available as needed 
and is not or will not be conditioned or encumbered in any way that 
would preclude its use consistent with the requirements of the 
Investment Assistance. EDA shall determine at its sole discretion 
whether the Matching Share documentation adequately addresses the 
requirements of this section.

0
6. Revise paragraph (a) of Sec.  301.7 to read as follows:


Sec.  301.7  Investment Assistance application.

    (a) For all EDA Investment Assistance programs, including the 
Public Works, Economic Adjustment Assistance, Planning, Local Technical 
Assistance, Research and National Technical Assistance, and University 
Center programs, EDA will publish an FFO that specifies application 
submission requirements and evaluation procedures and criteria. Each 
FFO will be published on the EDA Web site and at http://www.grants.gov. 
All forms required for EDA Investment Assistance may be obtained 
electronically from http://www.grants.gov or from the appropriate 
regional office.
* * * * *

0
7. Revise Sec.  301.8 to read as follows:


Sec.  301.8  Application evaluation criteria.

    EDA will screen all applications for the feasibility of the budget 
presented and conformance with EDA's statutory and regulatory 
requirements. EDA will assess the economic development needs of the 
affected Region in which the proposed Project will be located (or will 
service), as well as the capability of the Eligible Applicant to 
implement the proposed Project. EDA will also review applications for 
conformance with program-specific evaluation criteria set out in the 
applicable FFO.

0
8. Revise the introductory text of paragraph (a) of Sec.  301.11 to 
read as follows:


Sec.  301.11  Infrastructure.

    (a) EDA will fund both construction and non-construction 
infrastructure necessary to meet a Region's strategic economic 
development goals and needs, which in turn results in job creation. 
This includes infrastructure used to develop basic economic development 
assets as described in Sec. Sec.  305.1 and 305.2 of this chapter 
(e.g., roads, sewers, and water lines), as well as infrastructure that 
supports innovation and entrepreneurship. The following are examples of 
innovation and entrepreneurship-related infrastructure that support job 
creation:
* * * * *

PART 302--GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR INVESTMENT ASSISTANCE

0
9. Revise the authority citation of part 302 to read as follows:

    Authority: 19 U.S.C. 2341 et seq.; 42 U.S.C. 3150; 42 U.S.C. 
3152; 42 U.S.C. 3153; 42 U.S.C. 3192; 42 U.S.C. 3193; 42 U.S.C. 
3194; 42 U.S.C. 3211; 42 U.S.C. 3212; 42 U.S.C. 3216; 42 U.S.C. 
3218; 42 U.S.C. 3220; 42 U.S.C. 5141; 15 U.S.C. 3701; Department of 
Commerce Delegation Order 10-4.


0
10. Revise Sec.  302.5 to read as follows:


Sec.  302.5  Relocation assistance and land acquisition policies.

    Recipients of EDA Investment Assistance or any other types of 
assistance under PWEDA, the Trade Act, and Stevenson-Wydler (States and 
political subdivisions of States and non-profit organizations, as 
applicable) are subject to the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real 
Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970, as amended (Pub. L. 91-646; 
42 U.S.C. 4601 et seq.). See 15 CFR part 11 and 49 CFR part 24 for 
specific compliance requirements.

0
11. Revise Sec.  302.6 to read as follows:


Sec.  302.6  Additional requirements; Federal policies and procedures.

    Recipients are subject to all Federal laws and to Federal, 
Department, and EDA policies, regulations, and procedures applicable to 
Federal financial assistance awards, including 2 CFR part 200, Uniform 
Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements 
for Federal Awards.

0
12. Revise paragraphs (a) introductory text, (a)(2), and (d) of Sec.  
302.20 to read as follows:

[[Page 57054]]

Sec.  302.20  Civil rights.

    (a) Discrimination is prohibited by a Recipient or Other Party (as 
defined in paragraph (b) of this section) with respect to a Project 
receiving Investment Assistance under PWEDA or Stevenson-Wydler or by 
an entity receiving Adjustment Assistance (as defined in Sec.  315.2 of 
this chapter) under the Trade Act or any other type of assistance under 
Stevenson-Wydler, in accordance with the following authorities:
* * * * *
    (2) 42 U.S.C. 3123 (proscribing discrimination on the basis of sex 
in Investment Assistance provided under PWEDA), 42 U.S.C. 6709 
(proscribing discrimination on the basis of sex under the Local Public 
Works Program), Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, as 
amended (20 U.S.C. 1681 et seq.) (proscribing discrimination on the 
basis of sex in any education program or activity receiving Federal 
financial assistance, whether or not such program or activity is 
offered or sponsored by an educational institution), and the 
Department's implementing regulations found at 15 CFR part 8a;
* * * * *
    (d) All Recipients of Investment Assistance under PWEDA and 
Stevenson-Wydler, all Other Parties, and all entities receiving 
Adjustment Assistance under the Trade Act or any other type of 
assistance under Stevenson-Wydler must submit to EDA written assurances 
that they will comply with applicable laws, EDA regulations, Department 
regulations, and such other requirements as may be applicable, 
prohibiting discrimination.
* * * * *

PART 303--PLANNING INVESTMENTS AND COMPREHENSIVE ECONOMIC 
DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIES

0
13. The authority citation for part 303 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 42 U.S.C. 3143; 42 U.S.C. 3162; 42 U.S.C. 3174; 42 
U.S.C. 3211; Department of Commerce Organization Order 10-4.


0
14. Revise paragraphs (b)(1) and (b)(3)(ii) of Sec.  303.6 to read as 
follows:


Sec.  303.6  Partnership Planning and the EDA-funded CEDS process.

* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    (1) CEDS Strategy Committee. The Planning Organization must appoint 
a Strategy Committee. The Strategy Committee must represent the main 
economic interests of the Region, which may include Indian tribes, the 
private sector, State and other public officials, community leaders, 
private individuals, representatives of workforce development boards, 
institutions of higher education, minority and labor groups, and others 
who can contribute to and benefit from improved economic development in 
the relevant Region. In addition, the Strategy Committee must 
demonstrate the capacity to undertake a collaborative and effective 
planning process.
* * * * *
    (3) * * *
    (ii) The Planning Organization must submit a new or revised CEDS to 
EDA at least every five years, unless EDA or the Planning Organization 
determines that a new or revised CEDS is required earlier due to 
changed circumstances. In connection with the submission of a new or 
revised CEDS, the Planning Organization shall use its best efforts to 
obtain renewed commitments from participating counties or other areas 
within the District to support the economic development activities of 
the District. Provided the Planning Organization can document a good 
faith effort to obtain renewed commitments, the inability to secure 
renewed commitments shall not disqualify a CEDS update.
* * * * *

0
15. Revise paragraph (c)(1) of Sec.  303.7 to read as follows:


Sec.  303.7  Requirements for Comprehensive Economic Development 
Strategies.

* * * * *
    (c) * * *
    (1) In determining the acceptability of a CEDS prepared 
independently of EDA Investment Assistance or oversight for Projects 
under parts 305 and 307 of this chapter, EDA may in its discretion 
determine that the CEDS is acceptable so long as it includes all of the 
elements listed in paragraph (b) of this section. In certain 
circumstances, EDA may accept a non-EDA funded CEDS that does not 
contain all the elements listed in paragraph (b) of this section. In 
doing so, EDA shall consider the circumstances surrounding the 
application for Investment Assistance, including emergencies or natural 
disasters and the fulfillment of the requirements of section 302 of 
PWEDA.
* * * * *

PART 304--ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DISTRICTS

0
16. The authority citation for part 304 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 42 U.S.C. 3122; 42 U.S.C. 3171; 42 U.S.C. 3172; 42 
U.S.C. 3196; Department of Commerce Organization Order 10-4.


0
17. Revise paragraph (c)(2) of Sec.  304.2 to read as follows:


Sec.  304.2  District Organizations: Formation, organizational 
requirements and operations.

* * * * *
    (c) * * *
    (2) The District Organization must demonstrate that its governing 
body is broadly representative of the principal economic interests of 
the Region, which may include the private sector, public officials, 
community leaders, representatives of workforce development boards, 
institutions of higher education, minority and labor groups, and 
private individuals. In addition, the governing body must demonstrate 
the capacity to implement the EDA[hyphen]approved CEDS.
* * * * *

PART 305--PUBLIC WORKS AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT INVESTMENTS

0
17. The authority citation for part 305 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 42 U.S.C. 3211; 42 U.S.C. 3141; Department of 
Commerce Organization Order 10-4.


0
18. Revise paragraph (b) of Sec.  305.6 to read as follows:


Sec.  305.6  Allowable methods of procurement for construction 
services.

* * * * *
    (b) For all procurement methods, the Recipient must comply with the 
procedures and standards set forth in 2 CFR part 200.

0
19. Revise paragraph (c) of Sec.  305.8 to read as follows:


Sec.  305.8  Recipient-furnished equipment and materials.

* * * * *
    (c) Acquisition of Recipient[hyphen]furnished equipment or 
materials under this section also is subject to the requirements of 2 
CFR part 200.

PART 307--ECONOMIC ADJUSTMENT ASSISTANCE INVESTMENTS

0
20. The authority citation of part 307 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 42 U.S.C. 3211; 42 U.S.C. 3149; 42 U.S.C. 3161; 42 
U.S.C. 3162; 42 U.S.C. 3233; Department of Commerce Organization 
Order 10-4.


0
21. Revise Sec.  307.6 to read as follows:


Sec.  307.6  Revolving Loan Funds established for lending.

    Economic Adjustment Assistance Grants to capitalize or recapitalize 
RLFs most commonly fund business lending,

[[Page 57055]]

but also may fund public infrastructure or other authorized lending 
activities. The requirements in this subpart apply to EDA-funded RLFs. 
Special award conditions may contain appropriate modifications of these 
requirements.

0
22. Revise paragraphs (b) introductory text and (b)(2) of Sec.  307.7 
to read as follows:


Sec.  307.7  Revolving Loan Fund award requirements.

* * * * *
    (b) RLF Grants shall comply with the requirements set forth in this 
part, as well as relevant provisions of parts 300 through 303, 305, and 
314 of this chapter and in the following publications:
* * * * *
    (2) The Compliance Supplement, which is appendix XI to 2 CFR part 
200 and is available on the OMB Web site at https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/circulars_default.

0
23. Amend Sec.  307.8 as follows:
0
a. Add definitions for Allowable Cash Percentage and Disbursement Phase 
in alphabetical order;
0
b. Revise the definitions of Recapitalization Grants and Reporting 
Period;
0
c. Add a definition for Risk Analysis System in alphabetical order;
0
d. Remove the definition of RLF Capital;
0
e. Add definitions for RLF Capital Base and RLF Cash Available for 
Lending in alphabetical order;
0
f. Revise the definition of RLF Income; and
0
g. Add definitions for RLF Recipient and Voluntarily Contributed 
Capital in alphabetical order.
    The additions and revisions read as follows:


Sec.  307.8   Definitions.

* * * * *
    Allowable Cash Percentage means the average percentage of the RLF 
Capital Base maintained as RLF Cash Available for Lending by RLF 
Recipients in each EDA regional office's portfolio of RLF Grants over 
the previous year.
* * * * *
    Disbursement Phase means the period of loan activity where Grant 
funds awarded have not been fully disbursed to the RLF Recipient.
* * * * *
    Recapitalization Grants are Investments of additional Grant funds 
to increase the RLF Capital Base.
    Reporting Period, for purposes of this subpart only, is based on 
the RLF Recipient's fiscal year end and is on an annual or semi-annual 
basis as determined by EDA.
* * * * *
    Risk Analysis System refers to a set of measures defined by EDA to 
evaluate a Recipient's administration of its RLF Grant and that may 
include but is not limited to capital, assets, management, earnings, 
liquidity, strategic results, and financial controls.
    RLF Capital Base means the total value of RLF Grant assets 
administered by the RLF Recipient. It is equal to the amount of Grant 
funds used to capitalize (and recapitalize, if applicable), the RLF, 
plus Local Share, plus RLF Income less any eligible and reasonable 
administrative expenses, plus Voluntarily Contributed Capital, less any 
loan losses and disallowances. Except as used to pay for eligible and 
reasonable administrative costs associated with the RLF's operations, 
the RLF Capital Base is maintained in two forms at all times: As RLF 
Cash Available for Lending and as outstanding loan principal.
    RLF Cash Available for Lending means the portion of the RLF Capital 
Base that is held as cash and available to make loans. This excludes 
loans that have been committed or approved but have not yet been 
funded.
    RLF Income means interest earned on outstanding loan principal and 
RLF accounts holding RLF funds, all fees and charges received by the 
RLF, and other income generated from RLF operations. An RLF Recipient 
may use RLF Income only to capitalize the RLF for financing activities 
and to cover eligible and reasonable costs necessary to administer the 
RLF, unless otherwise provided for in the Grant agreement or approved 
in writing by EDA. RLF Income excludes repayments of principal and any 
interest remitted to the U.S. Treasury pursuant to generally accepted 
accounting principles (GAAP) and Sec.  307.20(h).
    RLF Recipient means the Eligible Recipient that receives an RLF 
Grant to manage an RLF in accordance with an RLF Plan, Prudent Lending 
Practices, the terms and conditions of the RLF Grant, and all 
applicable policies, laws, and regulations.
* * * * *
    Voluntary Contributed Capital means an RLF Recipient's voluntary 
infusion of additional non-EDA funds into the RLF Capital Base that is 
separate from and exceeds any Local Share that is required as a 
condition of the RLF Grant. Voluntary Contributed Capital is an 
irrevocable addition to the RLF Capital Base and must be administered 
in accordance with EDA regulations and policies.

0
24. Revise the section heading and paragraphs (a), (c), (d), and (f)(2) 
and add paragraphs (g) and (h) to Sec.  307.11 to read as follows:


Sec.  307.11   Pre-disbursement requirements and disbursement of funds 
to Revolving Loan Funds.

    (a) Pre-disbursement requirements. (1) Within 60 calendar days 
before the initial disbursement of EDA funds, the RLF Recipient must 
provide the following in a form acceptable to EDA:
    (i) Certification from the RLF Recipient that the Recipient's 
accounting system is adequate to identify, safeguard, and account for 
the entire RLF Capital Base, outstanding RLF loans, and other RLF 
operations.
    (ii) The RLF Recipient's certification that standard RLF loan 
documents reasonably necessary or advisable for lending are in place 
and a certification from the RLF Recipient's legal counsel that the 
loan documents are adequate and comply with the terms and conditions of 
the RLF Grant, RLF Plan, and applicable State and local law. The 
standard loan documents must include, at a minimum, the following:
    (A) Loan application;
    (B) Loan agreement;
    (C) Board of directors' meeting minutes approving the RLF loan;
    (D) Promissory note;
    (E) Security agreement(s);
    (F) Deed of trust or mortgage (as applicable);
    (G) Agreement of prior lien holder (as applicable); and
    (H) Evidence demonstrating that credit is not otherwise available 
on terms and conditions that permit the completion or successful 
operation of the activity to be financed.
    (iii) Evidence of fidelity bond coverage for persons authorized to 
handle funds under the RLF Grant award in an amount sufficient to 
protect the interests of EDA and the RLF. At a minimum, the amount of 
coverage shall be the maximum loan amount allowed for in the EDA-
approved RLF Plan.
    (2) The RLF Recipient is required to maintain the adequacy of the 
RLF's accounting system and maintain and update standard RLF loan 
documents at all times during the duration of the RLF's operation. In 
addition, the RLF recipient must maintain sufficient fidelity bond 
coverage as described in this subsection for the duration of the RLF's 
operation. The RLF Recipient shall maintain records and documentation 
to demonstrate the requirements set out in this paragraph (a) are 
maintained for the duration of

[[Page 57056]]

the RLF's operation. See also Sec.  307.13(b)(3).
* * * * *
    (c) Amount of disbursement. The amount of a disbursement of Grant 
funds shall be the amount required to meet the Federal share 
requirement of a new RLF loan. RLF Income held during the disbursement 
phase may be used to reimburse eligible administrative costs. RLF 
Income earned and principal repaid during the Disbursement Phase must 
be placed in the RLF Capital Base and may be used to reimburse eligible 
and reasonable administrative costs, provide the requirements of Sec.  
307.12(a) and (b) are met, and increase the RLF Capital Base. RLF 
Income earned and principal repaid during the Disbursement Phase is not 
required to be used for new RLF loans, unless otherwise specified in 
the terms and conditions of an RLF Grant.
    (d) Interest-bearing account. All Grant funds disbursed by EDA to 
the RLF Recipient for loan obligations incurred but not yet disbursed 
to an eligible RLF borrower must be deposited and held in an interest-
bearing account by the Recipient until an RLF loan is made to a 
borrower.
* * * * *
    (f) * * *
    (2) When an RLF has a combination of In-Kind Contributions, which 
must be specifically authorized in the terms and conditions of the RLF 
Grant and may be used to provide technical assistance to borrowers or 
for eligible RLF administrative costs, and cash Local Share, the cash 
Local Share and the Grant funds will be disbursed proportionately as 
needed for lending activities, provided that the last 20 percent of the 
Grant funds may not be disbursed until all cash Local Share has been 
expended. The full amount of the cash Local Share shall remain for use 
in the RLF.
    (g) Loan closing and disbursement schedule. (1) RLF loan activity 
must be sufficient to draw down Grant funds in accordance with the 
schedule prescribed in the award conditions for loan closings and 
disbursements to eligible RLF borrowers. The schedule usually requires 
that the RLF Recipient lend the entire amount of the RLF Grant within 
three years of the Grant award.
    (2) If an RLF Recipient fails to meet the prescribed lending 
schedule, EDA may de-obligate the non-disbursed balance of the RLF 
Grant. EDA may allow exceptions where:
    (i) Closed Loans approved prior to the schedule deadline will 
commence and complete disbursements within 45 days of the deadline;
    (ii) Closed Loans have commenced (but not completed) disbursement 
obligations prior to the deadline; or
    (iii) EDA has approved a time schedule extension pursuant to 
paragraph (h) of this section.
    (h) Time schedule extensions. (1) RLF Recipients shall promptly 
inform EDA in writing of any condition that may adversely affect their 
ability to meet the prescribed schedule deadlines. RLF Recipients must 
submit a written request to EDA for continued use of Grant funds beyond 
a missed deadline for disbursement of RLF funds. RLF Recipients must 
provide good reason for the delay in their extension request by 
demonstrating that:
    (i) The delay was unforeseen or beyond the control of the RLF 
Recipient;
    (ii) The financial need for the RLF still exists;
    (iii) The current and planned use and the anticipated benefits of 
the RLF will remain consistent with the current CEDS and the RLF Plan; 
and
    (iv) The proposal of a revised time schedule is reasonable. An 
extension request must also provide an explanation as to why no further 
delays are anticipated.
    (2) EDA is under no obligation to grant a time extension. In the 
event an extension is denied, EDA may de-obligate all or part of the 
unused Grant funds and terminate the Grant.

0
25. Revise the section heading, paragraphs (a) and (b), and the heading 
and introductory text of paragraph (c) and add paragraph (d) to Sec.  
307.12 to read as follows:


Sec.  307.12  Revolving Loan Fund Income requirements during the 
Revolving Phase; payments on defaulted and written off Revolving Loan 
Fund loans; Voluntarily Contributed Capital.

    (a) Revolving Loan Fund Income requirements during the Revolving 
Phase. During the Revolving Phase, RLF Income must be placed into the 
RLF Capital Base for the purpose of making loans or paying for eligible 
and reasonable administrative costs associated with the RLF's 
operations. RLF Income may fund administrative costs, provided:
    (1) Such RLF Income is earned and the administrative costs are 
accrued in the same fiscal year of the RLF Recipient;
    (2) RLF Income earned, but not used for administrative costs during 
the same fiscal year of the RLF Recipient is made available for lending 
activities;
    (3) RLF Income shall not be withdrawn from the RLF Capital Base in 
a subsequent fiscal year for any purpose other than lending without the 
prior written consent of EDA; and
    (4) An RLF Recipient shall not use funds in excess of RLF Income 
for administrative costs unless directed otherwise in writing by EDA. 
In accordance with EDA's RLF Risk Analysis System, RLF Recipients are 
expected to keep administrative costs to a minimum in order to maintain 
the RLF Capital Base. The percentage of RLF Income used for 
administrative expenses will be one of the measures used in EDA's RLF 
Risk Analysis System to evaluate RLF Recipients. See also Sec.  307.16.
    (b) Compliance guidance. When charging costs against RLF Income, 
RLF Recipients must comply with applicable Federal uniform 
administrative requirements, cost principles, and audit requirements as 
detailed in this paragraph (b) and in the terms and conditions of the 
RLF Grant.
    (1) For RLF Grants made on or after December 26, 2014. For RLFs 
awarded on or after December 26, 2014 or for RLFs that have received 
one or more Recapitalization Grants on or after December 26, 2014, the 
RLF Recipient must comply with the administrative and cost principles 
in 2 CFR part 200 (``Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost 
Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards'').
    (2) For RLF Grants made before December 26, 2014. For RLFs awarded 
before December 26, 2014, unless otherwise indicated in the terms of 
the Grant, the RLF Recipient must comply with the following cost 
principles:
    (i) 2 CFR part 225 (OMB Circular A-87 for State, local, and Indian 
tribal governments),
    (ii) 2 CFR part 230 (OMB Circular A-122 for non-profit 
organizations other than institutions of higher education, hospitals or 
organizations named in OMB Circular A-122 as not subject to such 
Circular), and
    (iii) 2 CFR part 220 (OMB Circular A-21 for educational 
institutions).
    (3) For all RLF Grants. For all RLF Grants, regardless of when they 
were awarded, the audit requirements set out as subpart F to 2 CFR part 
200 apply to audits of the RLF Recipient's fiscal years beginning on or 
after December 26, 2014. In addition, the Compliance Supplement, which 
is appendix XI to 2 CFR part 200, applies as appropriate.
    (c) Priority of payments on defaulted and written off RLF loans. 
When an RLF Recipient receives proceeds on a defaulted or written off 
RLF loan that is not subject to liquidation pursuant to Sec.  307.21, 
such proceeds shall be applied in the following order of priority:
* * * * *

[[Page 57057]]

    (d) Voluntarily Contributed Capital. An RLF Recipient that wishes 
to inject additional capital into the RLF Capital Base to augment the 
amount of resources available to lend must submit a written request 
that specifies the source of the funds to be added. Once an RLF 
Recipient elects to commit Voluntarily Contributed Capital and upon 
approval by EDA, the Voluntarily Contributed Capital becomes an 
irrevocable part of the RLF Capital Base and may not be subsequently 
withdrawn or separated from the RLF.

0
26. Amend Sec.  307.13 as follows:
0
a. Revise paragraph (b)(2);
0
b. Redesignate paragraph (b)(3) as paragraph (b)(4); and
0
c. Add new paragraph (b)(3).
    The revision and addition read as follows:


Sec.  307.13  Records and retention.

* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    (2) Retain records of administrative expenses incurred for 
activities and equipment relating to the operation of the RLF for three 
years from the actual submission date of the report that covers the 
fiscal year in which such costs were claimed.
    (3) Consistent with Sec.  307.11(a), for the duration of RLF 
operations, maintain records to demonstrate:
    (i) The adequacy of the RLF's accounting system to identify, 
safeguard, and account for the entire RLF Capital Base, outstanding RLF 
loans, and other RLF operations;
    (ii) That standard RLF loan documents reasonably necessary or 
advisable for lending are in place; and
    (iii) Evidence of fidelity bond coverage for persons authorized to 
handle funds under the Grant award in an amount sufficient to protect 
the interests of EDA and the RLF.

0
27. Revise Sec.  307.14 to read as follows:


Sec.  307.14  Revolving Loan Fund report.

    (a) Frequency of reports. All RLF Recipients, including those 
receiving Recapitalization Grants for existing RLFs, must complete and 
submit an RLF report, using Form ED-209, in a format and at a frequency 
as required by EDA.
    (b) Report contents. RLF Recipients must certify as part of the RLF 
report to EDA that the RLF is operating in accordance with the 
applicable RLF Plan and that the information provided is complete and 
accurate.

0
28. Amend Sec.  307.15 as follows:
0
a. Revise paragraph (a);
0
b. Remove paragraph (b);
0
c. Redesignate paragraphs (c) through (e) as paragraphs (b) through 
(d), respectively; and
0
d. Revise the heading of newly redesignated paragraph (c) and paragraph 
(c)(1).
    The revisions read as follows:


Sec.  307.15  Prudent management of Revolving Loan Funds.

    (a) Accounting principles. (1) RLFs shall operate in accordance 
with generally accepted accounting principles (``GAAP'') as in effect 
in the United States and the provisions outlined in the audit 
requirements set out as subpart F to 2 CFR part 200 and the Compliance 
Supplement, which is appendix XI to 2 CFR part 200, as applicable.
    (2) In accordance with GAAP, a loan loss reserve may be recorded in 
the RLF Recipient's financial statements to show the adjusted current 
value of an RLF's loan portfolio, provided this loan loss reserve is 
non-funded and is represented by a non-cash entry. However, loan loss 
reserves shall not be used to reduce the value of the RLF in the 
Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards (``SEFA'') required as part 
of the RLF Recipient's audit requirements under 2 CFR part 200.
* * * * *
    (c) RLF leveraging. (1) RLF loans must leverage additional 
investment of at least two dollars for every one dollar of such RLF 
loans. This leveraging requirement applies to the RLF portfolio as a 
whole rather than to individual loans and is effective for the duration 
of the RLF's operation. To be classified as leveraged, additional 
investment must be made within 12 months of approval of an RLF loan, as 
part of the same business development project, and may include:
    (i) Capital invested by the borrower or others;
    (ii) Financing from private entities;
    (iii) The non-guaranteed portions and 90 percent of the guaranteed 
portions of any Federal loan; or
    (iv) Loans from other State and local lending programs.

0
29. Revise Sec.  307.16 to read as follows:


Sec.  307.16  Risk Analysis System.

    (a) EDA shall evaluate and manage RLF recipients using a Risk 
Analysis System that will focus on such risk factors as: capital, 
assets, management, earnings, liquidity, strategic results, and 
financial controls. Risk analysis ratings of each RLF Recipient's RLF 
program shall be conducted at least annually and will be based on the 
most recently submitted Form ED-209 RLF report.
    (b) An RLF Recipient generally will be allowed a reasonable period 
of time to achieve compliance with risk factors as defined by EDA. 
However, persistent noncompliance with these factors and their limits 
as identified through EDA's Risk Analysis System over multiple 
Reporting Periods may result in EDA taking appropriate remedies for 
noncompliance as detailed in Sec.  307.21.

0
30. Revise Sec.  307.17 to read as follows:


Sec.  307.17   Requirements for Revolving Loan Fund Cash Available for 
Lending.

    (a) General. RLF Cash Available for Lending shall be deposited and 
held in an interest-bearing account by the Recipient and used for the 
purpose of making RLF loans that are consistent with an RLF Plan or 
such other purposes approved by EDA. To ensure that RLF funds are used 
as intended, each loan agreement must clearly state the purpose of each 
loan.
    (b) Allowable Cash Percentage. EDA shall notify each RLF recipient 
by January 1 of each year of the Allowable Cash Percentage that is 
applicable to lending during the Recipient's ensuing fiscal year. 
During the Revolving Phase, RLF Recipients must manage their repayment 
and lending schedules so that at all times they do not exceed the 
Allowable Cash Percentage.
    (c) Restrictions on use of RLF Cash Available for Lending. RLF Cash 
Available for Lending shall not be used to:
    (1) Acquire an equity position in a private business;
    (2) Subsidize interest payments on an existing RLF loan;
    (3) Provide a loan to a borrower for the purpose of meeting the 
requirements of equity contributions under another Federal Agency's 
loan programs;
    (4) Enable borrowers to acquire an interest in a business either 
through the purchase of stock or through the acquisition of assets, 
unless sufficient justification is provided in the loan documentation. 
Sufficient justification may include acquiring a business to save it 
from imminent closure or to acquire a business to facilitate a 
significant expansion or increase in investment with a significant 
increase in jobs. The potential economic benefits must be clearly 
consistent with the strategic objectives of the RLF;
    (5) Provide RLF loans to a borrower for the purpose of investing in 
interest-bearing accounts, certificates of deposit, or any investment 
unrelated to the RLF; or
    (6) Refinance existing debt, unless:
    (i) The RLF Recipient sufficiently demonstrates in the loan 
documentation a ``sound economic justification'' for the refinancing 
(e.g., the refinancing will support additional capital investment 
intended to increase business activities). For this purpose, reducing 
the risk of

[[Page 57058]]

loss to an existing lender(s) or lowering the cost of financing to a 
borrower shall not, without other indicia, constitute a sound economic 
justification; or
    (ii) RLF Cash Available for Lending will finance the purchase of 
the rights of a prior lien holder during a foreclosure action which is 
necessary to preclude a significant loss on an RLF loan. RLF funds may 
be used for this purpose only if there is a high probability of 
receiving compensation from the sale of assets sufficient to cover an 
RLF's costs plus a reasonable portion of the outstanding RLF loan 
within a reasonable time frame approved by EDA following the date of 
refinancing.
    (7) Serve as collateral to obtain credit or any other type of 
financing without EDA's prior written approval;
    (8) Support operations or administration of the RLF Recipient; or
    (9) Undertake any activity that would violate the requirements 
found in part 314 of this chapter, including Sec.  314.3 (``Authorized 
Use of Property'') and Sec.  314.4 (``Unauthorized Use of Property'').

0
31. Revise paragraphs (a)(1) introductory text, (a)(2), (b)(1) 
introductory text, (b)(1)(i), and (b)(2)(i) of Sec.  307.18 to read as 
follows:


Sec.  307.18   Addition of lending areas; consolidation and merger of 
RLFs.

    (a)(1) An RLF Recipient shall make loans only within its EDA-
approved lending area, as set forth and defined in the RLF Grant and 
the RLF Plan. An RLF Recipient may add a lending area (an ``Additional 
Lending Area'') to its existing lending area to create a new lending 
area (the ``New Lending Area'') only with EDA's prior written approval 
and subject to the following provisions and conditions:
* * * * *
    (2) Following EDA approval, the New Lending Area designation shall 
remain in place until EDA approves a subsequent request for a New 
Lending Area.
    (b) * * *
    (1) Single RLF Recipient. An RLF Recipient with more than one EDA-
funded RLF Grant may consolidate two or more EDA-funded RLFs into one 
combined RLF with EDA's prior written approval and provided:
    (i) It is up-to-date with all reports in accordance with Sec.  
307.14;
* * * * *
    (2) * * *
    (i) The replacement RLF Recipient is up-to-date with all reports in 
accordance with Sec.  307.14;
* * * * *

0
32. Revise Sec.  307.20 to read as follows:


Sec.  307.20   Noncompliance.

    EDA will take appropriate compliance actions as detailed in Sec.  
307.21 for the RLF Recipient's failure to operate the RLF in accordance 
with the RLF Plan, the terms and conditions of the RLF Grant, or this 
subpart, including but not limited to:
    (a) Failing to obtain prior EDA approval for material changes to 
the RLF Plan, including provisions for administering the RLF;
    (b) Failing to submit an updated RLF Plan to EDA in accordance with 
Sec.  307.9(c);
    (c) Failing to submit timely progress, financial, and audit reports 
in the format required by the RLF Grant and Sec.  307.14, including the 
Form ED-209 RLF report;
    (d) Failing to manage the RLF Grant in accordance with Prudent 
Lending Practices, as defined in Sec.  307.8;
    (e) Holding RLF Cash Available for Lending so that it is 50 percent 
or more of the RLF Capital Base for 24 months without an EDA-approved 
extension request based on other EDA risk analysis factors or other 
extenuating circumstances;
    (f) Making an ineligible loan;
    (g) Failing to disburse the EDA funds in accordance with the time 
schedule prescribed in the RLF Grant;
    (h) Failing to sequester funds or remit the interest on EDA's 
portion of the sequestered funds to the U.S. Treasury, as directed by 
EDA;
    (i) Failing to comply with the audit requirements set forth in 
subpart F to 2 CFR part 200 and the related Compliance Supplement, 
including reference to the correctly valued EDA RLF Federal 
expenditures in the SEFA, timely submission of audit reports to the 
Federal Audit Clearinghouse, and the inclusion of the RLF program as an 
appropriately audited program;
    (j) Failing to implement timely resolutions to audit findings or 
questioned costs contained in the annual audit, as applicable;
    (k) Failing to comply with an EDA-approved corrective action plan 
to remedy persistent noncompliance with RLF-related findings;
    (l) Failing to comply with the conflicts of interest provisions set 
forth in Sec.  302.17; and
    (m) Making unauthorized use of RLF Cash Available for Lending in 
violation of Sec.  307.18(c).

0
33. Revise Sec.  307.21 to read as follows:


Sec.  307.21   Remedies for noncompliance.

    (a) General. If an RLF Recipient fails to operate the RLF in 
accordance with the RLF Plan, the terms and conditions of the RLF 
Grant, or this subpart, as detailed in Sec.  307.20, EDA may require 
one or more of the following actions, as appropriate in the 
circumstances:
    (1) Increased reporting requirements;
    (2) Implementation of a corrective action plan;
    (3) A special audit;
    (4) Sequestration of RLF funds;
    (5) Repayment of ineligible loans or other costs to the RLF;
    (6) Transfer or merger of the RLF in accordance with Sec.  307.18;
    (7) Suspension of the RLF Grant; or
    (8) Termination of the RLF Grant, in whole or in part.
    (b) Disallowance of a portion of an RLF Grant, liquidation. If the 
RLF Recipient engages in certain problematic practices, EDA may 
disallow a corresponding proportion of the Grant or direct the RLF 
Recipient to transfer loans to an RLF Third Party for liquidation. 
Problematic practices for which EDA may disallow a portion of an RLF 
Grant and recover the pro-rata Federal Share (as defined in Sec.  314.5 
of this chapter) include the RLF Recipient:
    (1) Holding RLF Cash Available for Lending so that it is 50 percent 
or more of the RLF Capital Base for 24 months without an EDA-approved 
extension request;
    (2) Failing to disburse the EDA funds in accordance with the time 
schedule prescribed in the RLF Grant; or
    (3) Determining that it does not wish to further invest in the RLF 
or cannot maintain operations at the degree originally contemplated 
upon receipt of the RLF Grant and requests that a portion of the RLF 
Grant be disallowed, and EDA agrees to the disallowance.
    (c) Termination or suspension. To maintain effective control over 
and accountability of RLF Grant funds and assets, EDA shall determine 
the manner and timing of any suspension or termination action. EDA may 
require the RLF Recipient to repay the Federal Share in a lump-sum 
payment or enter into a Sale, or EDA may agree to enter into a 
repayment agreement with the RLF Recipient for repayment of the Federal 
Share.
    (d) Termination, liquidation upon termination. When EDA approves 
the termination of an RLF Grant, EDA must make all efforts to recover 
the pro rata Federal Share (as defined in Sec.  314.5 of this chapter). 
EDA may assign or transfer assets of the RLF to an RLF Third Party for 
liquidation. The following terms will govern any liquidation:
    (1) EDA shall have sole discretion in choosing the RLF Third Party;
    (2) The RLF Third Party may be an Eligible Applicant or a for-
profit organization not otherwise eligible for Investment Assistance;

[[Page 57059]]

    (3) EDA may enter into an agreement with the RLF Third Party to 
liquidate the assets of one or more RLFs or RLF Recipients;
    (4) EDA may allow the RLF Third Party to retain a portion of the 
RLF assets, consistent with the agreement referenced in paragraph 
(d)(3) of this section, as reasonable compensation for services 
rendered in the liquidation; and
    (5) EDA may require additional reasonable terms and conditions.
    (e) Distribution of proceeds. The proceeds resulting from any 
liquidation upon termination shall be distributed in the following 
order of priority:
    (1) First, for any third party liquidation costs;
    (2) Second, for the payment of EDA's Federal Share; and
    (3) Third, if any proceeds remain, to the RLF Recipient.
    (f) RLF Recipient's request to terminate. EDA may approve a request 
from an RLF Recipient to terminate an RLF Grant. The RLF Recipient must 
compensate the Federal Government for the pro rata Federal Share of the 
RLF Capital Base.
    (g) Distribution of proceeds upon termination. Upon termination, 
distribution of proceeds shall occur in accordance with Sec.  
307.21(e).

PART 309--REDISTRIBUTIONS OF INVESTMENT ASSISTANCE

0
34. The authority citation of part 309 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  42 U.S.C. 3154c; 42 U.S.C. 3211; Department of 
Commerce Delegation Order 10-4.


0
35. Revise paragraph (a) of Sec.  309.1 to read as follows:


Sec.  309.1   Redistributions under parts 303, 305 and 306.

    (a) General. Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, a 
Recipient of Investment Assistance under parts 303, 305 or 306 of this 
chapter may directly expend such Investment Assistance or, with prior 
EDA approval, may redistribute such Investment Assistance in the form 
of a subgrant to another Eligible Recipient, generally referred to as a 
Subrecipient, that qualifies for Investment Assistance under the same 
part of this chapter as the Recipient, to fund required components of 
the scope of work approved for the Project. All subgrants made pursuant 
to this section shall be subject to the same terms and conditions 
applicable to the Recipient under the original Investment Assistance 
award and must satisfy the requirements of PWEDA and of this chapter. 
EDA may require the Eligible Recipient under the original Investment 
award to agree to special award conditions and the Subrecipient to 
provide appropriate certifications to ensure the Subrecipient's 
compliance with legal requirements.
* * * * *

0
36. Revise paragraphs (a)(1) and (b) of Sec.  309.2 to read as follows:


Sec.  309.2   Redistributions under part 307.

    (a) * * *
    (1) A subgrant to another Eligible Recipient, generally referred to 
a Subrecipient, that qualifies for Investment Assistance under part 307 
of this chapter; or
* * * * *
    (b) All redistributions of Investment Assistance made pursuant to 
this section shall be subject to the same terms and conditions 
applicable to the Recipient under the original Investment Assistance 
award and must satisfy the requirements of PWEDA and of this chapter. 
EDA may require the Eligible Recipient under the original Investment 
Award to agree to special award conditions and the Subrecipient to 
provide appropriate certifications to ensure the Subrecipient's 
compliance with legal requirements.

PART 314--PROPERTY

0
37. The authority citation for part 314 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  42 U.S.C. 3211; Department of Commerce Organization 
Order 10-4.

0
38. Amend Sec.  314.1 as follows:
0
a. Revise the definition of Personal Property;
0
b. Add the definition of Project Property in alphabetical order; and
0
c. Revise the definition of Real Property.
    The revisions and addition read as follows:


Sec.  314.1   Definitions.

* * * * *
    Personal Property means all tangible and intangible property other 
than Real Property, including the RLF Capital Base as defined at Sec.  
307.8.
    Project Property means all Property that is acquired or improved, 
in whole or in part, with Investment Assistance and is required, as 
determined by EDA, for the successful completion and operation of a 
Project and/or serves as the economic justification of a Project. As 
appropriate to specify the type of Property referenced, this part 
refers to Project Property as ``Project Real Property'' or ``Project 
Personal Property''.
* * * * *
    Real Property means any land, whether raw or improved, and includes 
structures, fixtures, appurtenances and other permanent improvements, 
excluding moveable machinery and equipment. Real Property includes land 
that is served by the construction of Project infrastructure (such as 
roads, sewers and water lines) where the infrastructure contributes to 
the value of such land as a specific purpose of the Project.
* * * * *

0
39. Revise Sec.  314.2 to read as follows:


Sec.  314.2   Federal Interest.

    (a) Subject to the obligations and conditions set forth in this 
part and in relevant provisions of 2 CFR part 200, Project Property 
vests upon acquisition in the Recipient (or, if approved by EDA, in a 
Co-recipient or Subrecipient). Project Property shall be held in trust 
by the Recipient for the benefit of the Project for the Estimated 
Useful Life of the Project, during which period EDA retains an 
undivided equitable reversionary interest in the Property (the 
``Federal Interest''). The Federal Interest ensures compliance with EDA 
Project requirements, including those related to the purpose, scope, 
and use of a Project. The Recipient typically must secure the Federal 
Interest through a recorded lien, statement, or other recordable 
instrument setting forth EDA's Property interest in a Project (e.g., a 
mortgage, covenant, or other statement of EDA's Real Property interest 
in the case of a Project involving the acquisition, construction, or 
improvement of a building. See Sec.  314.8.).
    (b) When the Federal Government is fully compensated for the 
Federal Share of Project Property, the Federal Interest is extinguished 
and the Federal Government has no further interest in the Property, 
except as provided in Sec.  314.10(e)(3) regarding nondiscrimination 
requirements.

0
40. Revise Sec.  314.3 to read as follows.


Sec.  314.3   Authorized use of Project Property.

    (a) General. During the Estimated Useful Life of the Project, the 
Recipient or Owner must use any Project Property only for authorized 
Project purposes as set out in the terms of the Investment Assistance. 
Such Property must not be Disposed of or encumbered without EDA's prior 
written authorization.
    (b) Project Property that is no longer needed for Project purposes. 
Where EDA and the Recipient determine during the Estimated Useful Life 
of the Project that Project Property is longer needed for the original 
purpose of the Investment Assistance, EDA, in its sole

[[Page 57060]]

discretion, may approve the use of such Property in other Federal grant 
programs or in programs that have purposes consistent with those 
authorized by PWEDA and by this chapter.
    (c) Real Property for sale or lease. Where EDA determines that the 
authorized purpose of the Investment Assistance is to develop Real 
Property to be leased or sold, such sale or lease is permitted provided 
it is for Adequate Consideration and the sale is consistent with the 
authorized purpose of the Investment Assistance and with all applicable 
Investment Assistance requirements, including nondiscrimination and 
environmental compliance.
    (d) Property transfers and Successor Recipients. EDA, in its sole 
discretion, may approve the transfer of any Project Property from a 
Recipient to a Successor Recipient (or from one Successor Recipient to 
another Successor Recipient). The Recipient will remain responsible for 
complying with the rules of this part and the terms and conditions of 
the Investment Assistance for the period in which it is the Recipient. 
Thereafter, the Successor Recipient must comply with the rules of this 
part and with the same terms and conditions as were applicable to the 
Recipient (unless such terms and conditions are otherwise amended by 
EDA). The same rules apply to EDA[hyphen]approved transfers of Property 
between Successor Recipients.
    (e) Replacement Personal Property. When acquiring replacement 
Personal Property of equal or greater value than Personal Property 
originally acquired with Investment Assistance, the Recipient may, with 
EDA's approval, trade in such Personal Property originally acquired or 
sell the original Personal Property and use the proceeds for the 
acquisition of the replacement Personal Property, provided that the 
replacement Personal Property is for use in the Project. The 
replacement Personal Property is subject to the same requirements as 
the original Personal Property.
    (f) Replacement Real Property. In extraordinary and compelling 
circumstances, the Assistant Secretary may approve the replacement of 
Real Property used in a Project.
    (g) Incidental use of Project Property. With EDA's prior written 
approval, a Recipient may undertake an incidental use of Project 
Property that does not interfere with the scope of the Project or the 
economic purpose for which the Investment was made, provided that the 
Recipient is in compliance with applicable law and the terms and 
conditions of the Investment Assistance, and the incidental use of the 
Property will not violate the terms and conditions of the Investment 
Assistance or otherwise undermine the economic purpose for which the 
Investment was made or adversely affect the economic useful life of the 
Property. Eligible Applicants and Recipients should contact the 
appropriate regional office (whose contact information is available via 
the Internet at http://www.eda.gov) for guidelines on obtaining 
approval for incidental use of Property under this section.

0
41. Revise the section heading and paragraph (a), add a heading to 
paragraph (b), and revise paragraphs (b) introductory text and (c) of 
Sec.  314.4 to read as follows:


Sec.  314.4   Unauthorized Use of Project Property.

    (a) Compensation of Federal Share upon an Unauthorized Use of 
Project Property. Except as provided in Sec. Sec.  314.3 (regarding the 
authorized use of Property) or 314.10 (regarding the release of the 
Federal Interest in certain Property), or as otherwise authorized by 
EDA, the Federal Government must be compensated by the Recipient for 
the Federal Share whenever, during the Estimated Useful Life of the 
Project, any Project Property is Disposed of, encumbered, or no longer 
used for the purpose of the Project; provided that for equipment and 
supplies, the requirements of 2 CFR part 200, including any 
supplements, shall apply.
    (b) Additional Unauthorized Uses of Project Property. Additionally, 
prior to the release of the Federal Interest, Project Real Property or 
tangible Project Personal Property may not be used:
* * * * *
    (c) Recovery of the Federal Share. Where the Disposition, 
encumbrance, or use of any Project Property violates paragraph (a) or 
(b) of this section, EDA may assert the Federal Interest in the Project 
Property to recover the Federal Share for the Federal Government and 
may take such actions as authorized by PWEDA and this chapter, 
including the actions provided in Sec. Sec.  302.3, 302.16, and 307.21 
of this chapter. EDA may pursue its rights under paragraph (a) of this 
section and this paragraph (c) to recover the Federal Share, plus costs 
and interest. When the Federal Government is fully compensated for the 
Federal Share, the Federal Interest is extinguished as provided in 
Sec.  314.2(b), and EDA will have no further interest in the ownership, 
use, or Disposition of the Property, except for the nondiscrimination 
requirements set forth in Sec.  314.10(d)(3).

0
42. Revise the introductory text of paragraph (a) of Sec.  314.5 to 
read as follows:


Sec.  314.5   Federal Share.

    (a) For purposes of this part, ``Federal Share'' means that portion 
of the current fair market value of any Project Property attributable 
to EDA's participation in the Project. EDA may rely on a current 
certified appraisal of the Project Property prepared by an appraiser 
licensed in the State where the Project Property is located to 
determine the fair market value. In extraordinary circumstances and at 
EDA's sole discretion, where EDA is unable to determine the current 
fair market value, EDA may use other methods of determining the value 
of Project Property, including the amount of the award of Investment 
Assistance or the amount paid by a transferee. The Federal Share shall 
be the current fair market value or other valuation as determined by 
EDA of the Property after deducting:
* * * * *

0
43. Revise paragraphs (a), (b)(3), (b)(4)(v)(B), (b)(5)(v)(B), and (c) 
of Sec.  314.6 to read as follows:


Sec.  314.6  Encumbrances.

    (a) General. Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section or 
as otherwise authorized by EDA, Project Property must not be used to 
secure a mortgage or deed of trust or in any way otherwise encumbered, 
except to secure a grant or loan made by a Federal Agency or State 
agency or other public body participating in the same Project, so long 
as the Recipient discloses such an encumbrance in writing as part of 
its application for Investment Assistance or as soon as practicable 
after learning of the encumbrance.
    (b) * * *
    (3) Pre-existing encumbrances. Encumbrances already in place and 
disclosed to EDA at the time EDA approves the Project where EDA, in its 
sole discretion, determines that:
    (i) The requirements of Sec.  314.7(b) are met;
    (ii) Consistent with paragraphs (b)(4)(iv) and (b)(5)(iv) of this 
section, the terms and conditions of the encumbrance are satisfactory; 
and
    (iii) Consistent with paragraphs (b)(4)(v) and (b)(5)(v) of this 
section, there is a reasonable expectation that the Recipient will not 
default on its obligations.
    (4) * * *
    (v) * * *
    (B) A Recipient that is a non-profit organization is financially 
strong and is an established organization with

[[Page 57061]]

sufficient organizational life to demonstrate stability over time;
* * * * *
    (5) * * *
    (v) * * *
    (B) A Recipient that is a non-profit organization is financially 
strong and is an established organization with sufficient 
organizational life to demonstrate stability over time;
* * * * *
    (c) Unauthorized encumbrances. Encumbering Project Property, other 
than as permitted in this section, is an Unauthorized Use of the 
Property under Sec.  314.4.
0
44. Revise paragraphs (a), (c) introductory text, (c)(1) introductory 
text, (c)(1)(ii), (c)(2) introductory text, (c)(4) heading and 
introductory text, (c)(4)(ii)(B), (c)(4)(iii), and (c)(5)(i) and (iii) 
of Sec.  314.7 to read as follows:


Sec.  314.7   Title.

    (a) General title requirement. Except in those limited 
circumstances identified in paragraph (c) of this section, at the time 
Investment Assistance is awarded, the Recipient must hold title to 
Project Real Property, which, as noted in Sec.  314.1 in the definition 
of ``Real Property'' includes land that is served by the construction 
of Project infrastructure (such as roads, sewers, and water lines) and 
where the infrastructure contributes to the value of such land as a 
specific purpose of the Project. The Recipient must maintain title to 
Project Real Property at all times during the Estimated Useful Life of 
the Project, except in those limited circumstances as provided in 
paragraph (c) of this section. The Recipient also must furnish 
evidence, satisfactory in form and substance to EDA, that title to 
Project Real Property (other than property of the United States) is 
vested in the Recipient and that any easements, rights-of-way, State or 
local government permits, long[hyphen]term leases, or other items 
required for the Project have been or will be obtained by the Recipient 
within an acceptable time, as determined by EDA.
* * * * *
    (c) Exceptions. The following are exceptions to the requirements of 
paragraph (a) of this section that the Recipient hold title to Project 
Real Property at the time Investment Assistance is awarded and at all 
times during the Estimated Useful Life of the Project.
    (1) Project Real Property acquisition. Where the acquisition of 
Project Real Property is contemplated as part of an Investment 
Assistance award, EDA may determine that an agreement for the Recipient 
to purchase the Project Real Property will be acceptable for purposes 
of paragraph (a) of this section if:
* * * * *
    (ii) EDA, in its sole discretion, determines that the terms and 
conditions of the purchase agreement adequately safeguard the Federal 
Government's interest in the Project Real Property.
    (2) Leasehold interests. EDA may determine that a long[hyphen]term 
leasehold interest for a period not less than the Estimated Useful Life 
of Project Real Property will be acceptable for purposes of paragraph 
(a) of this section if:
* * * * *
    (4) State or local government owned roadway or highway 
construction. When the Project includes construction on a State or 
local government owned roadway or highway the owner of which is not the 
Recipient, EDA may allow the Project to be constructed in whole or in 
part in the right-of-way of such public roadway or highway, provided 
that:
* * * * *
    (ii) * * *
    (B) If at any time during the Estimated Useful Life of the Project 
any or all of the improvements in the Project within the State or local 
government owned roadway or highway are relocated for any reason 
pursuant to requirements of the owner of the public roadway or highway, 
the Recipient shall be responsible for accomplishing such relocation, 
including expending the Recipient's own funds as necessary, so that the 
Project continues as authorized by the Investment Assistance; and
    (iii) The Recipient obtains all written authorizations (i.e., State 
or county permit(s)) necessary for the Project to be constructed within 
the public roadway or highway, copies of which shall be submitted to 
EDA. Such authorizations shall contain no time limits that EDA 
determines substantially restrict the use of the public roadway or 
highway for the Project during the Estimated Useful Life of the 
Project.
    (5) * * *
    (i) General. At EDA's discretion, when an authorized purpose of the 
Project is to construct Recipient-owned facilities to serve Recipient 
or privately owned Project Real Property, including industrial or 
commercial parks, so that the Recipient or Owner may sell or lease 
parcels of the Project Real Property to private parties, such 
ownership, sale, or lease, as applicable, is permitted so long as:
    (A) In cases where an authorized purpose of the Project is to sell 
Project Real Property, the Recipient or Owner, as applicable, provides 
evidence sufficient to EDA that it holds title to the Project Real 
Property intended for sale or lease prior to the disbursement of any 
portion of the Investment Assistance and will retain title until the 
sale of the Property in accordance with paragraphs (c)(5)(i)(C) through 
(E) of this section;
    (B) In cases where an authorized purpose of the Project is to lease 
Project Real Property, the Recipient or Owner, as applicable, provides 
evidence sufficient to EDA that it holds title to the Project Real 
Property intended for lease prior to the disbursement of any portion of 
the Investment Assistance and will retain title for the entire 
Estimated Useful Life of the Project;
    (C) The Recipient provides adequate assurances that the Project and 
the development of land and improvements on the Recipient or privately 
owned Project Real Property to be served by or that provides the 
economic justification for the Project will be completed according to 
the terms of the Investment Assistance;
    (D) The sale or lease of any portion of the Project or of Project 
Real Property served by the Project or that provides the economic 
justification for the Project during the Project's Estimated Useful 
Life must be for Adequate Consideration and the terms and conditions of 
the Investment Assistance and the purpose(s) of the Project must 
continue to be fulfilled after such sale or lease; and
* * * * *
    (iii) Agreement between Recipient and Owner. In addition to 
paragraphs (c)(5)(i) and (ii) of this section, when an authorized 
purpose of the Project is to construct facilities to serve privately 
owned Real Property, the Recipient and the Owner must agree to use the 
Real Property improved or benefitted by the EDA Investment Assistance 
only for the authorized purposes of the Project and in a manner 
consistent with the terms and conditions of the EDA Investment 
Assistance for the Estimated Useful Life of the Project.
* * * * *

0
45. Revise the section heading and paragraphs (a), (b), and (d) of 
Sec.  314.8 to read as follows:


Sec.  314.8  Recorded statement for Project Real Property.

    (a) For all Projects involving the acquisition, construction, or 
improvement of a building, as determined by EDA, the Recipient shall 
execute a lien, covenant, or other statement of the Federal Interest in 
such Project Real Property. The statement shall specify the Estimated 
Useful Life

[[Page 57062]]

of the Project and shall include, but not be limited to, the 
Disposition, encumbrance and Federal Share requirements. The statement 
shall be satisfactory in form and substance to EDA.
    (b) The statement of the Federal Interest must be perfected and 
placed of record in the Real Property records of the jurisdiction in 
which the Project Real Property is located, all in accordance with 
applicable law.
* * * * *
    (d) In extraordinary circumstances and at EDA's sole discretion, 
EDA may choose to accept another instrument to protect the Federal 
Interest in Project Real Property, such as an escrow agreement or 
letter of credit, provided that EDA determines such instrument is 
adequate and a recorded statement in accord with paragraph (a) of this 
section is not reasonably available. The terms and provisions of the 
relevant instrument shall be satisfactory to EDA in EDA's sole 
judgment. The costs and fees for escrow services and letters of credit 
shall be paid by the Recipient.

0
46. Revise Sec.  314.9 to read as follows:


Sec.  314.9   Recorded statement for Project Personal Property.

    For all Projects which EDA determines involve the acquisition or 
improvement of significant items of Personal Property, including ships, 
machinery, equipment, removable fixtures, or structural components of 
buildings, the Recipient shall provide notice of the Federal Interest 
in all Project Personal Property by executing a Uniform Commercial Code 
Financing Statement (Form UCC[hyphen]1, as provided by State law) or 
other statement of the Federal Interest in the Project Personal 
Property, acceptable in form and substance to EDA, which statement must 
be perfected and placed of record in accordance with applicable law, 
with continuances re[hyphen]filed as appropriate. Whether or not a 
statement is required by EDA to be recorded, the Recipient must hold 
title to all Project Personal Property, except as otherwise provided in 
this part.

0
47. Revise the section heading and paragraphs (a) through (d), (e)(2), 
and the introductory text to paragraph (e)(3) of Sec.  314.10 to read 
as follows:


Sec.  314.10  Procedures for release of the Federal Interest.

    (a) General. As provided in Sec.  314.2, the Federal Interest in 
Project Property extends for the duration of the Estimated Useful Life 
of the Project, which is determined by EDA at the time of Investment 
award. Upon request of the Recipient, EDA will release the Federal 
Interest in Project Property upon expiration of the Estimated Useful 
Life as established in the terms and conditions of the Investment 
Assistance and in accord with the requirements of this section and 
part. This section provides procedures to obtain a release of the 
Federal Interest in Project Property.
    (b) Release of the Federal Interest after the expiration of the 
Estimated Useful Life. At the expiration of a Project's Estimated 
Useful Life and upon the written request of a recipient, the Assistant 
Secretary may release the Federal Interest in Project Property if EDA 
determines that the Recipient has made a good faith effort to fulfill 
all terms and conditions of the Investment Assistance. The 
determination provided for in this paragraph (b) shall be established 
at the time of Recipient's written request and shall be based, at least 
in part, on the facts and circumstances provided in writing by the 
Recipient. For a Project in which a Recorded Statement as provided for 
in Sec. Sec.  314.8 and 314.9 has been recorded, EDA will provide for 
the release by executing an instrument in recordable form. The release 
will terminate the Investment as of the date of its execution and 
satisfy the Recorded Statement. See paragraph (e) of this section for 
limitations and covenants of use that are applicable to any release of 
the Federal Interest.
    (c) Release prior to the expiration of the Estimated Useful Life. 
If the Recipient will no longer use the Project Property in accord with 
the requirements of the terms and conditions of the Investment within 
the time period of the Estimated Useful Life, EDA will determine if 
such use by the Recipient constitutes an Unauthorized Use of Property 
and require compensation for the Federal Interest as provided in Sec.  
314.4 and this section. EDA may release the Federal Interest in 
connection with such Property only upon receipt of full payment in 
compensation of the Federal Interest and thereafter will have no 
further interest in the ownership, use, or Disposition of the Property, 
except for the nondiscrimination requirements set forth in paragraph 
(e)(3) of this section.
    (d) Release of the Federal Interest before the expiration of the 
Estimated Useful Life, but 20 years after the award of Investment 
Assistance. In accord with section 601(d)(2) of PWEDA, upon the request 
of a Recipient and before the expiration of the Estimated Useful Life 
of a Project, but where 20 years have elapsed since the award of 
Investment Assistance, EDA may release any Real Property or tangible 
Personal Property interest held by EDA, if EDA determines:
    (1) The Recipient has made a good faith effort to fulfill all terms 
and conditions of the award of Investment Assistance; and
    (2) The economic development benefits as set out in the award of 
Investment Assistance have been achieved.
    (3) See paragraph (e) of this section for limitations and covenants 
of use that are applicable to any release of the Federal Interest.
    (e) * * *
    (2) In determining whether to release the Federal Interest, EDA 
will review EDA's legal authority to release its interest, including 
the Recipient's performance under and conformance with the terms and 
conditions of the Investment Assistance; any use of Project Property in 
violation of Sec.  314.3 or Sec.  314.4; and other such factors as EDA 
deems appropriate. When requesting a release of the Federal Interest 
pursuant to this section, the Recipient will be required to disclose to 
EDA the intended future use of the Real Property or the tangible 
Personal Property for which the release is requested.
    (i) A Recipient not intending to use the Real Property or tangible 
Personal Property for explicitly religious activities following EDA's 
release will be required to execute a covenant of use. A covenant of 
use with respect to Real Property shall be recorded in the jurisdiction 
where the Real Property is located in accordance with Sec.  314.8. A 
covenant of use with respect to items of tangible Personal Property 
shall be perfected and recorded in accordance with applicable law, with 
continuances re-filed as appropriate. See Sec.  314.9. A covenant of 
use shall (at a minimum) prohibit the use of the Real Property or the 
tangible Personal Property for explicitly religious activities in 
violation of applicable Federal law.
    (ii) EDA may require a Recipient (or its successors in interest) 
that intends or foresees the use of Real Property or tangible Personal 
Property for explicitly religious activities following the release of 
the Federal Interest to compensate EDA for the Federal Share of such 
Property. If such compensation is made, no covenant with respect to 
explicitly religious activities will be required as a condition of the 
release. EDA recommends that any Recipient who intends or foresees the 
use of Real Property or tangible Personal Property (including by 
successors of the Recipient) for explicitly religious activities to 
contact EDA well in

[[Page 57063]]

advance of requesting a release pursuant to this section.
    (3) Notwithstanding any release of the Federal Interest under this 
section, including a release upon a Recipient's compensation for the 
Federal Share, a Recipient must ensure that Project Property is not 
used in violation of nondiscrimination requirements set forth in Sec.  
302.20 of this chapter. Accordingly, upon the release of the Federal 
Interest, the Recipient must execute a covenant of use that prohibits 
use of Real Property or tangible Personal Property for any purpose that 
would violate the nondiscrimination requirements set forth in Sec.  
302.20 of this chapter.
* * * * *

    Dated: November 15, 2017.
Dennis Alvord,
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Regional Affairs, performing the non-
exclusive duties of the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic 
Development.
[FR Doc. 2017-25277 Filed 11-30-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3510-24-P