Agency. The Rural Housing Service (RHS), an agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Approval official. An official who has been delegated loan or grant approval authorities within applicable programs, subject to certain dollar limitations.

Construction. The act of building or putting together a facility that is a part of, or physically attached to, real estate. This does not include procurement of major equipment even though the equipment may be custom built to meet the owner's requirements.

Owner. An applicant or borrower.

Processing office. The office designated by the State program official to accept and process applications for Community Facilities projects.

Regional Attorney or OGC. The head of a Regional Office of the General Counsel (OGC).

Small Community Facilities projects. Community Facilities loans costing $300,000 and under.