Treasurer updates on Distressed Institutions of Higher Education Revolving Loan Program

State Treasurer, Young Boozer, announced an update last week to the Distressed Institutions of Higher Education Revolving Loan Program (the “Program”) to be administered by  the State Treasurer’s Office. The Program, that was enacted by the Alabama Legislature in the  2023 regular session, authorizes the State Treasurer to establish terms and conditions of the  loans. Funding for the Program of $30,000,000 was appropriated in the Education Trust Fund  supplemental bill also passed in the 2023 regular session.  

“We have been developing the application and procedures to administer this Program. In  addition, we have sought an Opinion of the Attorney General on the constitutionality of such a  loan program. Once we have received the Opinion, we plan to proceed as expeditiously as we  can, taking into account the findings of the Attorney General’s Opinion. We will make more  information available about the Program on the State Treasurer’s website,” said Boozer. 

Each applicant will be required to submit information and documentation in support of the  application. The Treasurer will review all applications and perform a thorough investigation to  determine each applicant’s qualifications and ability to repay. During the evaluation process,  the Treasurer may request additional information or documentation from the Institution. No  guarantee is made that proceeds for loans will be available or that any applicant will receive  any loan proceeds from the Fund, and the Treasurer reserves the right to deny any or all  applications. 

Under ACT 2023-278, to be eligible a college or university in Alabama must meet all of the  following criteria: 1) has been operating for more than 50 years in Alabama, 2) has a significant impact on the community in which it is located, 3) is experiencing financial hardship which  could lead to closure of the institution, 4) whose governing body has adopted a resolution  authorizing the application for a loan from this program to maintain operations as it replenishes  its endowment through private gifts and 5) has assets sufficient to pledge as collateral.