The Local Share Account (LSA) – Fayette County Program is administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) under the authority of the Pennsylvania Race Horse Development and Gaming Act (Act 2004-71). This program allocates a portion of local share assessments from licensed gaming facilities to fund projects that promote community and economic development in Fayette County. It is part of a statewide initiative to ensure that host and surrounding communities benefit from gaming revenues by reinvesting them into strategic, impactful local projects.
The Redevelopment Authority of the County of Fayette (RACF) is the sole eligible applicant authorized to apply for and administer funds through this program. However, other interested parties must work through RACF to initiate and submit their project proposals. Eligible uses of the funds include economic development projects that create or retain jobs, community improvement initiatives that enhance cultural, civic, or recreational facilities, and broader projects that serve the public interest by improving overall quality of life in Fayette County.
Applications undergo a two-tiered review process. First, the local application must be submitted to RACF, which coordinates with the Fayette County LSA Steering Committee to review and evaluate submissions. These local funding recommendations are then forwarded to DCED for final approval. RACF submits applications to DCED using the Electronic Single Application for Assistance (ESA) platform, attaching a completed Project Summary Form and required documentation electronically.
Key evaluation criteria include economic impact, project readiness, financial need, level of private investment, reuse of underutilized sites, and strategic importance. Projects must not begin prior to DCED approval, and any incurred costs before approval are not eligible. Administrative costs are allowable but must not exceed 5% of the total grant. Grant disbursements follow an agreement and commitment process between DCED and RACF, with funds typically advanced in quarterly installments.
The application deadline is November 30th annually, with recommendations due to DCED by that date. The program is recurring, and applicants should anticipate preparing for the next cycle each fall. Questions about the program can be directed to DCED’s Center for Community Enhancement, and additional resources and guidance, including forms and reporting instructions, are available at dced.pa.gov or through RACF’s website.
