(a) Notwithstanding other provisions of this chapter, in order to expedite a total school facility a school district may first apply for a project which includes only the advance purchase of the land and preparation of plans and specifications. The acquisition of the site and the plans preparation shall be based on the justification documents for the total school facility. The school district may apply for a subsequent project or projects to complete the total school facility.

(b) Any application filed pursuant to this section shall be subject to all provisions of this chapter generally applicable to project applications, to the extent not in conflict with this section.

(c) Any estimate of average daily attendance made by an applicant district for the purpose of justifying an application pursuant to this section may be made for up to and including two years longer than the period of time permitted by Section 17040.

(d) Beginning in the fifth fiscal year following the fiscal year in which any apportionment is made to a school district pursuant to this section, the district shall repay the apportionment, with interest, in 10 equal annual installments, unless and until the district has qualified for an apportionment pursuant to an application for utilization of the site under this chapter. These repayments shall constitute rent, and shall be in addition to any other rents or fees for which the district is obligated under Section 17032. The board may waive any obligation of repayment under this subdivision to the extent that the board finds that the obligation will result in an extreme hardship upon the district.

(e) The school district may apply for a subsequent project or projects to complete the total school facility.

(Added by Stats. 1996, Ch. 277, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 1997. Operative January 1, 1998.)