The Local Share Account (LSA) Monroe County grant program is established under the Pennsylvania Race Horse Development and Gaming Act to distribute a portion of gaming revenues to support community and economic development initiatives. Administered by the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA) through the Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development (DCED), this program provides funding for projects that improve local infrastructure, enhance community well-being, and mitigate the impact of gaming-related activities.

Eligible applicants include municipalities within Monroe County and its five contiguous counties (Carbon, Lackawanna, Northampton, Pike, and Wayne), economic development agencies, and redevelopment authorities. Multi-municipality applications are also eligible. Funds may be used for public interest projects that improve quality of life, community improvement initiatives that support civic and recreational facilities, economic development projects that promote local businesses and job creation, and roadway improvement projects within 20 miles of a gaming facility.

Applicants must submit their applications electronically through the DCED Single Application for Assistance portal between July 1 and September 30 annually. Required supplemental documents include a project description, cost estimates, a governing board resolution, and proof of matching funds (if applicable). The CFA evaluates applications based on cost, strategic importance, and community impact. A $100 non-refundable application fee must be paid before submission.

If approved, the applicant must sign a grant agreement within 45 days of receiving the commitment letter. Funds are disbursed upon submission of payment requests, supported by invoices and other documentation. Project records must be maintained for compliance, and reporting requirements include an annual disclosure of fund usage.

The grant imposes certain restrictions, such as prohibiting pre-award expenses, interest payments, and refinancing existing debt. Administrative costs are capped at 5% of the grant amount, while engineering and design fees cannot exceed 10%. Applicants must comply with prevailing wage laws for construction projects over $25,000 and adhere to open competitive bidding procedures for contracts exceeding $10,000.

For inquiries, applicants can contact the Pennsylvania DCED Center for Community Enhancement at (717) 787-6245 or via email at ra-dcedcbf@pa.gov. The program guidelines, application instructions, and reporting requirements are available on the DCED website.