The Local Share Account (LSA) Northampton & Lehigh Counties grant program was established under the Pennsylvania Race Horse Development and Gaming Act, as amended, and is administered by the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA) within the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED). The program is designed to distribute a portion of local share assessments from certain licensed gaming facilities in a timely and organized manner. Its primary purpose is to support and enhance community and economic well-being in Northampton and Lehigh Counties and to mitigate the impact of gaming and related activities on these communities.
Funding is intended to support projects in the public interest that improve the quality of life in affected communities. Eligible uses of funds include community improvement projects that enhance civic, cultural, or recreational activities or facilities, as well as economic development projects aimed at promoting local economic activity and creating or retaining jobs. The program also allows for certain annual operations costs related to regional law enforcement initiatives that are exclusive to Lehigh and Northampton Counties.
Eligible applicants include Northampton County, Lehigh County, municipalities within these counties, and economic development agencies or redevelopment authorities operating in these regions. The application process requires the submission of an online DCED Single Application for Assistance through grants.pa.gov. In addition to the basic application, applicants must submit several supplemental documents electronically. These include a detailed project description, a current cost estimate, a resolution from the applicant’s governing board, and evidence of matching funds if applicable.
The CFA evaluates applications based on the cost, strategic importance, and impact of proposed projects. Applications will be accepted annually from July 1 through September 30. The CFA charges a $100 non-refundable application fee, which must be paid electronically prior to the final submission of the application. Upon approval, the CFA issues a grant agreement and commitment letter, which must be signed and returned within 45 days. A fully executed contract is required before any disbursement of grant funds.
Restrictions and limitations on the use of funds include prohibitions on pre-approval project costs, financing fees, interest, lobbying, and training costs, among others. Specific administrative cost caps and bidding requirements also apply. Projects requiring prevailing wage compliance must adhere to relevant regulations. Program inquiries can be directed to the Department of Community and Economic Development’s Center for Community Enhancement by email at ra-dcedcbf@pa.gov or by phone at (717) 787-6245. The application cycle’s closing date for the current year is September 30, 2025.
Ensure all project costs are current within one year, pre-approval costs are not eligible, use the provided online Single Application for Assistance, pay application fee prior to submission, and follow the required supplemental documentation list exactly.
