Local Share Account (LSA) – Luzerne County

The Local Share Account (LSA) Luzerne County program, established under the Pennsylvania Race Horse Development and Gaming Act (Act 2004-71), is administered by the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA) and the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED). This program distributes two percent of the gross terminal revenues from certain licensed gaming facilities to support community and economic development projects in Luzerne County. The funds are intended to mitigate the impact of gaming activities and contribute to the overall well-being of the community. Eligible applicants include all municipalities within Luzerne County, the Luzerne County Redevelopment Authority for economic development or infrastructure projects, and multi-municipal applications. The funding must be used for projects that serve the public interest and enhance the quality of life for local citizens. Examples of eligible uses include infrastructure development, public safety improvements, and economic development projects that directly benefit the community. To apply, applicants must submit an electronic application through the DCED’s Single Application for Assistance portal between July first and September thirtieth of each year. A non-refundable application fee of one hundred dollars is required, payable electronically. Along with the application, applicants must provide supplemental documentation, including a detailed project description, cost estimates prepared by qualified professionals, a resolution from the governing body requesting the grant, and evidence of matching funds if applicable. Applications are evaluated based on cost, strategic importance, and impact on the community. The CFA will review each proposal to ensure compliance with program guidelines. Upon approval, a grant agreement and commitment letter will be issued, which must be electronically signed and returned within forty-five days. Funds will be disbursed upon submission of payment requests along with required documentation, such as invoices or contracts. The program has several restrictions, including prohibitions on using funds for previously incurred costs, refinancing debt, lobbying, or ongoing operational expenses. Administrative costs directly related to grant administration may not exceed three percent of the grant award. Engineering and design costs are capped at ten percent of the grant, while contingency costs cannot exceed five percent. If an applicant does not use the full amount of the grant, any unused funds must be returned to the CFA. For inquiries, applicants can contact the Center for Community Enhancement at the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. The primary contact information is by email at ra-dcedcbf@pa.gov, by phone at seven one seven seven eight seven six two four five, or by mail at LSA - Luzerne County Program, four hundred North Street, fourth Floor, Commonwealth Keystone Building, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, one seven one two zero zero two two five.