§ 54-59-24 — Borrowing authority - E-rate funding - Emergency commission approval

Notwithstanding the limitations provided in section 54-59-05 and upon the approval of the
emergency commission, the department may borrow from the Bank of North Dakota an amount
necessary to pay telecommunications costs for connecting approved schools and libraries in the
event e-rate funding is not received by the department from the schools and libraries division of
the universal service administrative company. In addition to the principal repayment, the Bank of
North Dakota is entitled to receive interest on the loan at a rate equal to other state agency
borrowings. If at the end of the biennium a balance exists on any loan obtained pursuant to this
section and funds are not anticipated to be available from the schools and libraries division of
the universal service administrative company to repay the loan, the department shall request a
deficiency appropriation from the legislative assembly to repay the loan.