Oct. 14, 2021
In a previous editorial titled “Local Share Accounts: What Are They and Why Should You Care?” I detailed how
Act 71 of 2004 (Pennsylvania Race Horse Development and Gaming Act) allowed a small portion of the revenue brought in by casino gaming to be placed into Local Share Accounts (LSA). That money is to be distributed fairly to local entities to assist projects that would improve the community that receives the funds.
In an editorial released last week titled “Local Share Accounts: Where Do the Funds Come From?” I explained that LSA grants are funded by slot machines and table games, and those grants are distributed to be used for community betterment projects. Washington County LSA funds are deposited into a restricted receipts account established in the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) and then are sent to the Redevelopment Authority of the County of Washington (RACW) for distribution.
The RACW has a site where interested groups can submit their grant applications. Applications for the upcoming year’s grants are generally due at the end of October. The RACW holds public workshops to review the application requirements and to answer questions relative to the upcoming year’s LSA process.
Applicants are required to detail the project name, location, municipality, requested funds, project description and more. The full application can be viewed at www.RACW.net/Washington-County-LSA. Acceptable projects include ones that promote local economic activity and creation and/or retention of jobs; projects that address workforce development; projects that improve or create civic, cultural or recreational activities or facilities; and projects that improve the quality of life in the affected communities.
Editor’s Note: This is the final piece of a three-part editorial about LSA grants. Rep. Cook will hold a press conference on Thursday, Oct. 21, to present his LSA findings to the public. Details to come.
Representative Bud Cook
49th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Michelle Swab
717.260.6325
mswab@pahousegop.com
RepBudCook.com / Facebook.com/RepBudCook