Except as specified in paragraphs (a) through (c) of this section, the RBS Administrator may, on a case-by-case basis, make exceptions to any requirement or provision of this subpart, if such exception is necessary to implement the intent of the authorizing statute in a time of national emergency or in accordance with a Presidentially-declared disaster, or when such an exception is in the best interests of the Federal Government and is otherwise not in conflict with applicable law.

(a) Applicant eligibility. No exception to applicant eligibility can be made.

(b) Project eligibility. No exception to project eligibility can be made.

(c) Rural area definition. No exception to the definition of rural area, as defined, can be made.