Local Share Account (LSA) - Monroe County

The Local Share Account Monroe County program is administered by the Commonwealth Financing Authority under the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. The program originates from the Pennsylvania Race Horse Development and Gaming Act, which established a mechanism to distribute a portion of gaming revenues to support local communities. Specifically, two percent of gross terminal revenues from licensed gaming facilities are allocated to this fund, with the intent of enhancing community and economic well being while also mitigating the impacts associated with gaming activities. This program reflects a structured effort by the Commonwealth to reinvest gaming related revenues into affected regions through competitive grant funding. The purpose of the program is to provide financial assistance for projects that deliver tangible benefits to communities within Monroe County and certain surrounding counties. Eligible project types include public interest initiatives that improve quality of life, community improvement efforts that create or enhance civic and recreational facilities, economic development projects that stimulate local economies and support job creation or retention, and roadway improvement projects within a defined geographic radius of gaming facilities. These categories demonstrate a broad but clearly defined scope, emphasizing infrastructure, economic vitality, and community enhancement. Funding under this program is restricted to new projects and cannot be used for operational expenses such as salaries, consumable supplies, or general administrative overhead beyond a capped percentage. Administrative costs are limited to five percent of the total award, while engineering and design expenses are capped at ten percent. Additional restrictions prohibit the use of funds for debt refinancing, lobbying, fines, or application preparation costs. Projects must not begin prior to approval, and any unused funds must be returned. These provisions ensure fiscal responsibility and alignment with the program’s capital improvement focus. Eligible applicants include Monroe County, its contiguous counties, municipalities within those regions, and economic development or redevelopment authorities operating within those jurisdictions. Multi municipality applications are also permitted, allowing for collaborative regional projects. This inclusive eligibility structure supports both local governments and quasi governmental entities, ensuring that a wide range of public sector applicants can access funding for community focused initiatives. The application process requires submission through the Department of Community and Economic Development’s online Single Application for Assistance portal. Applicants must provide detailed supplemental materials including a project description, cost estimates, governing body resolution, and documentation of matching funds where applicable. A non refundable application fee of one hundred dollars is required prior to submission. The process emphasizes completeness and accuracy, with strict requirements for documentation and verification. Applications are accepted annually within a defined window from July first through September thirtieth. Following submission, the Commonwealth Financing Authority evaluates proposals based on cost, strategic importance, and anticipated impact. Approved applicants receive a grant agreement and must execute the contract within forty five days. Funds are disbursed on a reimbursement basis upon submission of verified expenses, with processing times typically ranging from two to four weeks. The program includes ongoing compliance and reporting requirements. Grantees must maintain detailed project records, adhere to nondiscrimination policies, and comply with competitive bidding and prevailing wage laws where applicable. Annual reporting is required for municipalities and counties receiving funds, including documentation of expenditures and project outcomes. Program inquiries are directed to the Department of Community and Economic Development, which provides centralized support for applicants and grantees throughout the lifecycle of the grant.

Focus on clearly demonstrating project impact and strategic importance; ensure all supplemental exhibits are complete and compliant with requirements