Local Share Account (LSA) – Category 4 Facilities Program (Berks, Cumberland, Westmoreland, and York Counties)

The Local Share Account (LSA) Category 4 Facilities Program is administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) through the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA). This program was established under the Pennsylvania Race Horse Development and Gaming Act (Act 2004-71, as amended), which allocates gaming revenues from Category 4 licensed facilities to fund projects that serve the public interest. Specifically targeted at Berks, Cumberland, Westmoreland, and York Counties, the program is designed to enhance the quality of life in communities that host Category 4 gaming facilities by supporting infrastructure improvements, economic development projects, and other public-interest investments. The program provides funding to eligible applicants for projects that align with public benefit objectives. Eligible applicants include municipalities, counties, redevelopment authorities, economic development agencies, land banks, and councils of government. Projects must be located within the four designated counties and must either be owned and maintained by the eligible applicant or a Pennsylvania nonprofit organization. Qualifying projects are those that demonstrably serve the public interest—such as enhancing community infrastructure, improving access to services, or contributing to economic development. Eligible uses of grant funds include acquisition, construction, demolition, and infrastructure improvements (including sidewalks for public use), as well as the purchase of vehicles, machinery, and equipment (excluding PPE and uniforms). Additionally, planning, consulting, engineering, and inspection costs related to planning or construction projects are permissible, subject to caps—such as a 10% limit on engineering/design fees and a 2% limit on administrative costs. Contingency costs up to 5% of construction and infrastructure expenses are also eligible. Ineligible costs include general operations, consumable supplies, furniture, training, certain consulting fees, marketing and public relations, debt refinancing, lobbying, and costs incurred before CFA funding approval. Applications must be submitted electronically through the DCED Single Application for Assistance portal, available at grants.pa.gov. The application window runs annually from July 1 to September 30, and includes a $100 non-refundable fee, payable by credit or debit card. Required attachments include a detailed project description (Exhibit 1), current cost estimates (Exhibit 2), confirmation of ownership (Exhibit 3), a resolution from the applicant’s governing board (Exhibit 4), and documentation of any matching funds, if applicable (Exhibit 5). Although a match is not required, any proposed additional funding sources must be supported by appropriate documentation. Evaluation of applications is conducted by the CFA based on project cost, strategic importance, and expected community or economic impact. Upon approval, a grant agreement and commitment letter are issued electronically, which must be signed and returned within 45 days. Disbursement of funds is contingent upon execution of the grant contract, and reimbursement requires submission of appropriate documentation such as invoices, contracts, and payment forms. All awarded funds must be used within the timeframe established in the grant agreement. Additional compliance requirements include adherence to non-discrimination policies, recordkeeping, certification of expenses, prevailing wage mandates (for certain construction-related grants), and competitive bidding practices for contracts exceeding $10,000. Inquiries about the program can be directed to the DCED’s Center for Community Enhancement, located at 400 North Street, 4th Floor, Commonwealth Keystone Building, Harrisburg, PA 17120-0225. The main contact email is [email protected] and the phone number is (717) 787-6245. Given the program’s annual cycle, potential applicants should monitor the CFA website and plan ahead to meet the September 30 deadline. This program represents a continued effort to ensure gaming revenues contribute directly to community advancement and infrastructure stability in Pennsylvania’s host counties.