Washington County Set to Receive $9.2 Million for Local Projects from Gambling Revenue

In a game-changing development for Washington County, Pennsylvania, officials have announced that the county is poised to receive a substantial injection of $9.2 million in gaming funds. This remarkable windfall represents a significant boon for local economic development and community projects, as it is the largest share of local share account (LSA) casino gambling revenue the county has seen in 14 years.

The Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) delivered this exciting news to Washington County officials recently. The funds are slated to support a range of municipal and local projects, aligning with the annual LSA program's objectives.

This financial boost represents a historic high for Washington County's LSA program since it last received $9.7 million in 2010. Subsequently, the county had been receiving annual allocations ranging between $6 million and $8 million for almost 14 years.

The source of these funds is the Hollywood Casino at the Meadows in North Strabane, which reported increased revenue this year. Consequently, the LSA program reaps the benefits of this success. Local leaders anticipate that the additional funds will enable the county to finance an array of new projects this year.

Bob Griffin, the executive director of the Redevelopment Authority of Washington County, emphasized that the larger LSA funding reflects the boost in gambling revenue. Griffin, responsible for overseeing LSA fund distribution, expressed his enthusiasm for funding additional projects this year while reminding applicants that their contributions must match the allocated sums.

Washington County Commissioner Nick Sherman echoed the enthusiasm, labeling the program as a blessing for local economic development and communities. He highlighted the county's newfound ability to support organizations and communities that would otherwise struggle to secure funding.

A comprehensive list of LSA funding applicants will be released shortly, covering diverse project categories such as community improvement, economic development, job training, and public interest. The LSA Committee is set to hold hearings for applicant reviews next Tuesday and Wednesday, followed by a recommendation submission to the county commissioners for final approval. The Redevelopment Authority of Washington County is preparing to submit its single application for projects to the DCED by March 31, closing the loop on this exciting funding opportunity.