The NSIIC shall use the Fund to:

(a) Make grants to eligible entities in accordance with a strategic plan submitted under §63.310 of this part. Specifically, amounts in the Fund may be used to:

(1) Participate with Federal and State agencies in financing activities that are in accordance with the strategic plan, including participation with several States in a regional effort;

(2) Participate with other public and private funding sources in financing activities that are in accordance with the strategic plan, including participation in a regional effort;

(3) Accrue interest;

(4) Serve broad geographic areas and regions of diverse production, to the maximum extent practicable;

(5) Only to supplement and not supplant Federal, State, and private funds expended for rural development;

(6) For administration purposes, with a maximum 10 percent of the NSIIC Fund balance at the beginning of each fiscal year for the administration of the NSIIC;

(b) Provide funds to eligible entities contingent upon that entity agreeing to account for the amounts using generally accepted accounting principles and to provide access to the Secretary for inspection and audit of such records.

[75 FR 43034, July 23, 2010, as amended at 79 FR 31845, June 3, 2014]