Local Share Account (LSA) - Northampton and Lehigh Counties

The Local Share Account Northampton and Lehigh Counties program is administered by the Commonwealth Financing Authority under the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. It originates from the Pennsylvania Race Horse Development and Gaming Act, which allocates a portion of gaming revenues to support communities impacted by gaming activity. The program is designed to distribute these funds in an orderly and timely manner to enhance economic development, improve public infrastructure, and strengthen community well-being within Northampton and Lehigh Counties. The primary purpose of the program is to fund projects that serve the public interest, improve quality of life, and stimulate economic growth. Eligible project types include community improvement initiatives such as civic, cultural, and recreational facilities, as well as economic development efforts that create or retain jobs. The program emphasizes projects that demonstrate clear local impact, align with regional economic strategies, and provide measurable benefits to residents. Funding can be used for new projects only and must adhere to strict cost eligibility rules. Allowable expenses include construction, infrastructure, and certain administrative costs, though administrative expenses are capped at three percent of the total award. Engineering and design costs are limited to ten percent, and contingency costs to five percent of construction expenses. Funds cannot be used for ineligible costs such as debt refinancing, lobbying, training, consumable supplies, or general operational expenses, except in very limited cases for specific law enforcement initiatives. Projects cannot begin prior to approval, and any unspent funds must be returned. Eligible applicants include Northampton County, Lehigh County, municipalities within those counties, and economic development or redevelopment agencies operating within them. Applications must be submitted through the Department of Community and Economic Development’s online Single Application for Assistance portal. Applicants are required to include supplemental materials such as a detailed project description, cost estimates, governing body resolution, and documentation of matching funds if applicable. A non refundable application fee of one hundred dollars is required and must be paid prior to final submission. The application window opens annually on July 1 and closes on September 30. The Commonwealth Financing Authority reviews submissions based on cost, strategic importance, and anticipated impact. Successful applicants receive a grant agreement and must execute the contract within forty five days. Funds are disbursed on a reimbursement basis following submission of invoices and supporting documentation, with processing typically taking two to four weeks. Additional program requirements include compliance with nondiscrimination laws, maintenance of accurate project records, and adherence to reporting obligations. Municipalities and counties must submit annual reports detailing the use of funds. Competitive bidding requirements apply to most contracts exceeding ten thousand dollars, and prevailing wage laws may apply to construction related projects. Program inquiries can be directed to the Department of Community and Economic Development’s Center for Community Enhancement via phone or email.

Focus on demonstrating strong community impact, clear economic benefits, and alignment with regional strategies while ensuring detailed and accurate cost documentation