The Pennsylvania Local Share Account (LSA) Statewide Program is administered through the Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development (DCED) and the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA). The program was established under the PA Race Horse Development and Gaming Act (Act 2004-71) and is designed to distribute gaming revenues to support projects that enhance the quality of life and economic development across Pennsylvania. The funds are aimed at benefiting counties, municipalities, municipal authorities, economic development agencies, and similar public entities within the state.

Eligible applicants include counties, cities, boroughs, townships, municipal authorities, redevelopment authorities, land banks, and councils of government. These entities may apply for funding to support projects that are publicly owned and maintained or managed by a Pennsylvania nonprofit entity. Eligible projects must serve a public interest, improve community infrastructure, or provide economic development opportunities. Examples include construction and rehabilitation of public facilities, infrastructure improvements, acquisition of vehicles and equipment, and project planning. Administrative costs are permitted but capped at 2% of the total award, while contingency costs cannot exceed 5% of construction-related expenses.

The LSA Statewide Program provides grants for projects with eligible costs of $25,000 or more, with a maximum award limit of $1,000,000 per project. Matching funds are not required, but applicants may demonstrate financial contributions from other sources if available. To ensure fairness, all projects are subject to Pennsylvania’s prevailing wage regulations when applicable, and grantees must comply with competitive bidding requirements for contracts exceeding $10,000. The program emphasizes financial accountability, requiring grantees to maintain comprehensive records and submit expense certifications for reimbursement.

Applications must be submitted online via the DCED Single Application for Assistance portal. The application window runs annually from September 1 through November 30, with a mandatory $100 non-refundable application fee payable through a secure electronic system. Required documentation includes a detailed project description, cost estimates, proof of ownership or maintenance responsibility, and a resolution from the governing body of the applicant entity. Projects must not commence before receiving official CFA approval, and all expenditures must be incurred within the timeframe established in the grant agreement.

Evaluation of applications is based on factors such as cost, strategic importance, and expected impact on the local community or regional economy. Following approval, a grant agreement and commitment letter are issued electronically, and applicants have 45 days to sign and return the agreement. Funds are disbursed on a reimbursement basis upon submission of invoices, contracts, and other required financial documentation, with payment processing typically taking 2-4 weeks.

For inquiries about the program, applicants can contact the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development’s Center for Community Enhancement at (717) 787-6245 or via email at ra-dcedcbf@pa.gov. The CFA office is located at the Commonwealth Keystone Building, 400 North Street, 4th Floor, Harrisburg, PA 17120-0225.