Local Share Share Account (LSA) - Luzerne County

The Local Share Account Luzerne County grant program is administered by the Commonwealth Financing Authority under the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. The program was established under the Pennsylvania Race Horse Development and Gaming Act (Act 2004-71) as amended, which created the Pennsylvania Gaming Local Share Account. The primary purpose of the Local Share Account is to distribute two percent of gross terminal revenues from certain licensed gaming facilities to support and enhance community and economic well-being and to mitigate the impacts of gaming and related activities in the community. The funding scope of this program focuses on projects that are in the public interest and improve the quality of life for citizens in Luzerne County. Eligible applicants include all municipalities within Luzerne County, the Luzerne County Redevelopment Authority (limited to economic development or infrastructure projects), and multi-municipal collaborations. The grant funds can be used for a wide range of projects provided they align with the goal of community betterment. Restrictions apply to ineligible uses such as paying interest on debt, lobbying, operations and salary costs (with limited exceptions), training costs, and project costs incurred prior to the grant approval. Applicants must submit an electronic application through the Department of Community & Economic Development Single Application for Assistance platform at grants.pa.gov. In addition to the basic application, several supplemental documents are required. These include a project description detailing project activities, location, anticipated impacts, and project timeline; a detailed, current cost estimate; a formally adopted resolution from public sector applicants designating officials to execute grant-related documents; and evidence of matching funds where applicable. The application process also requires payment of a $100 non-refundable application fee. Applications are accepted annually from July 1 through September 30. The evaluation of applications will consider the project’s cost, strategic importance, and overall impact. If approved, applicants will receive an electronic grant agreement and commitment letter which must be signed and returned within 45 days. Disbursement of funds requires submission of detailed payment requests with supporting documentation. The program imposes several financial limitations: administrative costs are capped at three percent of the total grant, engineering and design costs at ten percent, and contingency costs at five percent of construction or infrastructure expenses. Applicants must comply with nondiscrimination requirements and maintain detailed project records for review. Reporting is required annually, detailing the use of funds received. Bidding requirements apply to contracts exceeding $10,000, and prevailing wage rules may be applicable depending on project type. Conflict of interest disclosures are required for any involved officers or employees. For further inquiries, applicants can contact the Department of Community and Economic Development, Center for Community Enhancement, at 400 North Street, 4th Floor, Commonwealth Keystone Building, Harrisburg, PA 17120-0225, via phone at (717) 787-6245, or by email at ra-dcedcbf@pa.gov.

Ensure that all supplemental materials, especially cost estimates and resolutions, are current and fully prepared prior to submission. Pay the application fee before finalizing submission.