Share 
More than $2.3 million in state grant funding tied to Pennsylvania gambling revenue is headed to Monroe and Pike counties through the state’s Local Share Account program, according to a recent announcement from state Rep. Tarah Probst.
The funding will support a wide range of community projects. Those include emergency services upgrades, sewer infrastructure, recreation improvements, and economic development initiatives across the region, Probst said.
“This program helps communities fund projects that otherwise might be difficult to complete through local budgets alone.”
What is the Local Share Account program?
The Local Share Account, often referred to as LSA funding, is financed through revenue generated by the following gambling verticals:
- Pennsylvania retail casinos
- PA real money online casinos
- Pennsylvania online sportsbooks
- Video game terminals
The program was created under the Pennsylvania Race Horse Development and Gaming Act. It is administered through the Commonwealth Financing Authority.
The grants are designed to support projects considered to be in the public interest or those that improve quality of life in Pennsylvania communities. Eligible applicants include municipalities, counties, redevelopment authorities, and other local government-related entities.
In recent years, LSA grants have become a significant funding source for local infrastructure, public safety and community improvement projects throughout the state.
Several projects receive funding
Among the larger grants announced by Probst were $434,031 for upgrades at Camp Papillion Animal Shelter, $350,000 for a tanker replacement for Blue Ridge Hook & Ladder, and $185,308 for a generator replacement project at Pocono Wildlife.
Several emergency services projects also received funding, including:
- $150,000 for renovations at Bushkill Volunteer Fire Company
- $100,000 for Suburban EMS equipment purchases
- $25,000 for turnout gear at Delaware Water Gap Fire Company
Infrastructure-related awards included $180,000 for Stroudsburg parking meter modernization and multiple sewer-related projects in East Stroudsburg and Smithfield Township.
The funding package also included support for arts and recreation projects, such as $40,000 for the Pocono Center for the Arts and $111,828 for the Pocono Environmental Education Center cabin project.
Probst also partnered with state Rep. Maureen Madden on grants for a downtown development district plan in Middle Smithfield Township and sprinkler system upgrades for Marshalls Creek Fire Company.
