not constitute Funded Property (excluding the property to be released) after specified deductions and additions, primarily including adjustments to offset property retirements, is not less than zero or (b) the cost or fair value (whichever is less) of property to be released does not exceed the aggregate amount of the cost or fair value to us (whichever is less) of Property Additions acquired, made or constructed within the90-day period preceding the release. (Mortgage, Section 1804.)
The mortgage provides simplified procedures for the release of Mortgaged Property with a net book value of up to the greater of $10 million or 3% of outstanding first mortgage bonds during a calendar year and for the release of Mortgaged Property taken or sold in connection with the power of eminent domain, provides for dispositions of certain obsolete or unnecessary Mortgaged Property and for grants or surrender of certain easements, leases or rights of way without any release or consent by the trustee. (Mortgage Sections 1802, 1805 and 1807.)
If we retain any interest in any property released from the lien of the mortgage, the mortgage will not become a lien on the property or the interest in the property or any improvements, extensions or additions to, or any renewals, replacements or substitutions of or for, any part or parts of the property unless we subject such property to the lien of the mortgage. (Mortgage, Section 1810.)
The mortgage also provides that we may terminate, abandon, surrender, cancel, release, modify or dispose of any of our franchises, permits or licenses that are Mortgaged Property without any consent of the trustee or the holders of outstanding first mortgage bonds; provided that (i) such action is, in our opinion, necessary, desirable or advisable in the conduct of our business, and (ii) any of our franchises, permits or licenses that, in our opinion, cease to be necessary for the operation of Mortgaged Property shall cease to be Mortgaged Property without any release or consent, or report to, the trustee. (Mortgage, Section 1802.)
Withdrawal of Cash
Unless an event of default under the mortgage has occurred and is continuing, and subject to specified limitations, cash held by the trustee may, generally, (1) be withdrawn by us (a) to the extent of the cost or fair value to us (whichever is less) of Property Additions not constituting Funded Property, after specified deductions and additions, primarily including adjustments to offset retirements (except that these adjustments need not be made if the Property Additions were acquired, made or constructed within the90-day period preceding the withdrawal) or (b) in an amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of first mortgage bonds that we would be entitled to issue on the basis of Retired Securities or bond credits (with the entitlement to the issuance being waived by operation of the withdrawal) or (c) in an amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of any outstanding first mortgage bonds delivered to the trustee (with the first mortgage bonds to be cancelled by the trustee), or (2) upon our request, be applied to (a) the purchase of first mortgage bonds or (b) the payment (or provision for payment) at stated maturity of any first mortgage bonds or the redemption (or provision for payment) of any first mortgage bonds which are redeemable. (Mortgage, Section 1806.)
Satisfaction and Discharge of New Bonds
We will be discharged from our obligations on the New Bonds if we irrevocably deposit with the trustee or any paying agent, other than us, sufficient cash or government securities to pay the principal, interest, any premium and any other sums when due on the stated maturity date or a redemption date of the New Bonds. (Mortgage, Section 801.)
Consolidation, Merger and Conveyance of Assets
Under the terms of the mortgage, we may not consolidate with or merge into any other entity or convey, transfer or lease as, or substantially as, an entirety to any entity the Mortgaged Property, unless:
| • | | the surviving or successor entity, or an entity which acquires by conveyance or transfer or which leases our Mortgaged Property as, or substantially as, an entirety, is organized and validly existing under the |
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