If your community just repaved your broken sidewalks, or your municipality bought a new high tech fire truck, or rehabbed an eroded stream bank, it could be thanks to the Pennsylvania Race Horse Development and Gaming Act (Act 2004-71).
In 2004, Pennsylvania’s General Assembly passed Act 71, the Pennsylvania Race Horse Development and Gaming Act, that permitted slot machines at race tracks in the state and authorized a limited number of new licenses to track based and free standing casinos. The Local Share Account, or LSA program was established under Act 71 which directs money through the Commonwealth Financing Authority or CFA to support projects in the public interest. Directly and indirectly, the horse racing industry negotiated and legalized the gaming and casino industry in Pennsylvania resulting in added state revenue for projects to improve the quality of life for Pennsylvania residents.
In October and November, counties across Pennsylvania received grants through the CFA program. State Senator Tracy Pennycuick, representing parts of Berks and Montgomery counties, and state Representative Donna Scheuren, representing the 147th District, announced the receipt of $2.5 million in grants for seven projects in their districts that were funded through the Pennsylvania Local Share Account Program. According to Senator Pennycuick’s press release, “I am grateful to the Commonwealth Financing Authority for its decision to invest in projects across this district. This funding will be used to support emergency services, rebuild crucial infrastructure, and improve the public spaces we share and enjoy.” The seven projects include purchasing new municipal equipment, rehabbing part of the Skippack Creek stream bank for erosion control and planting native species landscaping, purchasing new police equipment, and infrastructure improvements. Sean Drakeley, constituent specialist in the office of Senator Pennycuick, said, “the LSA program provides grants for projects to revitalize or develop land and improve infrastructure and purchase new crucial equipment for counties and municipalities. It is funded by the CFA or Commonwealth Financing Authority which distributes gaming revenues. The PA Race Horse Development and Gaming Act provides distribution of gaming revenues through the CFA for projects in the public interest.”
In a press release from Representative Donna Scheuron, representing parts of Montgomery County, she said, “I am happy to see the important funding approval for projects across my district. Not only will it help one municipality with their heavy equipment needs, another with their environmental improvements, and two more with upgrades to their emergency services, but all of the funding will go to enhancing the lives of their citizens.”
State Representative Greg Scott, representing Montgomery County, also announced that more than $1.52 million in LSA grants were awarded to projects in Montgomery County. “These grants, funded by our state’s gaming revenues, allow us to address critical needs and move forward with important projects across Montgomery County,” he said. Projects included purchasing police equipment and renovation projects.
Hundreds of townships across the state received funding from the statewide LSA, and over 1100 projects shared more than $345 million for the welfare and enhancement of Pennsylvanians. Grants are awarded to applicants of projects that improve the quality of life in the community. Those eligible include nonprofit organizations and counties, land banks, and councils of government, and uses of funds are for construction, purchase of vehicles, rehab, demolition, etc. Applicants must submit an application for projects costing a minimum of $25,000, but not to exceed $1 million.
The Pennsylvania Race Horse Development and Gaming Act benefits Pennsylvanians by funding projects through the LSA that improve our quality of life as well as assisting horsemen and the horse racing industry.
