The Local Share Account (LSA) Category 4 Facilities Program, administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development (DCED), is designed to distribute gaming revenues from Category 4 licensed facilities to support public interest projects within the host counties. This program is funded through the Pennsylvania Race Horse Development and Gaming Act (Act 2004-71) and is managed by the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA). It provides financial support to municipalities, counties, redevelopment authorities, and economic development agencies to undertake projects that improve the quality of life in their communities.
Eligible applicants for this funding opportunity must be located within a county that hosts a Category 4 licensed gaming facility. Currently, the eligible counties include Berks, Cumberland, Westmoreland, and York. The program supports a wide range of projects, provided they are owned and maintained by an eligible applicant or a Pennsylvania nonprofit entity. Projects must be in the public interest and contribute to the overall well-being of the community.
Funding can be used for activities such as property acquisition, construction, demolition, infrastructure improvements, vehicle and equipment purchases (excluding personal protective equipment and uniforms), planning and consulting services, engineering and design, as well as administrative costs related to grant management. However, ineligible costs include salaries (except administrative costs for grant management), consumable supplies, furniture, training, consulting fees unrelated to planning projects, public relations expenses, and costs incurred before CFA funding approval.
The application process requires submission through the DCED Single Application for Assistance portal. Applications are accepted annually between July 1st and September 30th, and a non-refundable $100 application fee is required. Required supplemental documents include a detailed project description, cost estimates from a licensed professional, proof of ownership or maintenance responsibility, a governing board resolution for public sector applicants, and documentation of matching funds if applicable (though matching is not required).
Applications are evaluated based on cost, strategic importance, and anticipated impact on the community. Upon approval, a grant agreement is issued, which must be signed within 45 days. Disbursement of funds occurs through reimbursement, requiring submission of invoices, contracts, and payment verification. Applicants must also comply with prevailing wage laws, nondiscrimination policies, competitive bidding requirements for contracts over $10,000, and annual reporting obligations on fund usage.
For inquiries, applicants can contact the Department of Community and Economic Development, Center for Community Enhancement, at (717) 787-6245 or via email at ra-dcedcbf@pa.gov.
