(a) Security. WS loans, WS advances, and RCD loans will be secured in accordance with applicable provisions of §1780.14 of this chapter.

(b) Feasibility. All projects financed under the provisions of this part must be based on taxes, assessments, revenues, fees, or other satisfactory sources in an amount that will provide for facility operation and maintenance, a reasonable reserve, and payment of the debt. The Rural Development State Director may obtain needed assistance in determining economic feasibility from officials of NRCS and other appropriate USDA agencies. See §1780.7(f) of this chapter for applicable economic feasibility requirements and feasibility reports.

(c) Notes, bonds, and bond transcript documents. See subpart D of part 1780 of this chapter for applicable requirements and provisions.

(d) Insurance. See §1780.39(g) of this chapter for requirements.

(e) National flood insurance. The requirements of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4001 et seq.) as amended by the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973 (42 U.S.C. 4003 et seq.) will be complied with in accordance with applicable provisions of RD Instruction 1901-L. Also see §1780.39(g) of this chapter.

(f) Borrower contracts and bonds. See subpart C of part 1780 of this chapter for applicable provisions.

(g) Title requirements.

(1) Title evidence for land, easements, and rights-of-way to be acquired with proceeds of loans or advances will be furnished by the sponsoring local organization in accordance with NRCS policies and procedures.

(2) RUS will specify and approve the form and content of instruments for conveying title to or interest in real estate on which a lien will be taken to secure a WS loan, WS advance, or RCD loan. These should be consistent with the applicable provisions of §1780.14 of this chapter. The Rural Development State Director will make his decision after consultation with the Regional Attorney and the State Conservationist. He will notify NRCS in writing of his decision. Thereafter, title clearance will be completed under NRCS regulations except that a marketable title must be obtained on any tract of land, a part of which will be sold as excess land in accordance with §1781.6(a)(9). In addition to the title evidence required by NRCS, applicants will furnish an opinion of legal counsel on all land and interest in land acquired with loan or advance funds.

(h) Purchasing lands, rights and facilities. The amounts paid for lands, rights, and facilities with loan funds will be not more than that determined to be reasonable and fair by the loan approval official based upon an appraisal of the current market value made by an Rural Development employee or an independent appraiser.

(i) Water rights. Applicants will be required to comply with applicable State and local laws and regulations governing appropriating, diverting, storing and using water, changing the place and manner of use of water, and in disposing of water. All of the rights of any landowner, appropriator, or user of water from any source will be fully honored in all respects as they may be affected by facilities installed with WS loans and advances and RCD loans. If, under the provisions of State law, notice of the proposed diversion or storage of water by the applicant may be filed, the applicant will be required to file such a notice. An applicant must furnish evidence to provide reasonable assurance that its water rights will be or have been properly established, will not interfere with prior vested rights, will likely not be contested or enjoined by other water users or riparian owners, and will be within the provisions of any applicable interstate compact.