The Pennsylvania Local Share Account (LSA) Statewide Program, established under the PA Race Horse Development and Gaming Act, is designed to distribute gaming revenues to support projects that serve the public interest within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Administered by the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA) and the Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development (DCED), the program seeks to enhance community infrastructure, economic development, and public facilities across Pennsylvania.

Eligible applicants include counties, municipalities, municipal authorities, economic development agencies, redevelopment authorities, land banks, and councils of government. These entities may apply for funding for projects that improve community quality of life, such as infrastructure improvements, facility construction, demolition, rehabilitation, acquisition of property or equipment, and public-use sidewalk projects. Projects must be owned and maintained by an eligible applicant or a Pennsylvania-based nonprofit entity. Funding may also be used for planning, design, and administrative costs, with specific limitations on expenditures such as consulting fees, lobbying, and marketing.

Grant requests must be for at least $25,000, with a maximum award limit of $1,000,000 per project. Multiple applications are permitted, but each application must outline a singular, cohesive project scope. Projects may not commence before CFA approval, and expenses must be incurred within the grant agreement period. The program does not require matching funds but encourages applicants to leverage additional resources where possible.

Applications are accepted annually between September 1 and November 30 through the DCED’s Single Application for Assistance portal. A $100 non-refundable application fee is required. Required supplemental items include a project description, cost estimates, ownership documentation, a formal resolution for public sector applicants, and proof of matching funds if applicable. Evaluation criteria focus on project cost, strategic importance, and overall community impact.

Funding is disbursed only after project approval and execution of a grant agreement. Recipients must submit payment requests with proper documentation, and payment processing may take 2-4 weeks. The program adheres to nondiscrimination policies and prevailing wage requirements for applicable projects. Additionally, open competitive bidding is required for contracts exceeding $10,000.

For inquiries, applicants may contact the PA Department of Community and Economic Development, Center for Community Enhancement at (717) 787-6245 or via email at ra-dcedcbf@pa.gov. The program guidelines, application portal, and additional resources are available at dced.pa.gov.