Operator News
US – Cordish Companies confirm $21m of grants in Pennsylvania
By Phil - 20 July 2023
The Cordish Companies and Live! Casino Pittsburgh have announced the details of the nearly $21m of Local Share Account (LSA) grants distributed to municipalities and non-profit organizations throughout Westmoreland County since the opening of the first-class gaming and entertainment destination in November 2020.
State legislators, Westmoreland County commissioners, and Hempfield Township representatives were joined by dozens of grant recipients and local community leaders to celebrate the community investments all targeted to improve the quality of life in Westmoreland County. Funds have been used for a wide variety of needs, including police and fire department equipment, nonprofit projects, road resurfacing, bridge reconstruction, playground and park improvements, stormwater upgrades, and more.
“Today’s event signifies the importance of casinos and their far-reaching tax benefits and overall economic impact,” said PA State Senator Kim Ward. “Live! Casino has been a genuine community partner and I appreciate their continued commitment and contributions to Westmoreland County and its residents.”
“We knew from the beginning that this was going to be a huge benefit for Westmoreland County, and I am glad to see it happening,” said Pennsylvania State Representative George Dunbar. “Otherwise, these projects, funded by Live! Casino revenue would either be on the shoulders of taxpayers, or they wouldn’t happen at all. Instead, revenue generated right here in Westmoreland, is used for community projects right here in Westmoreland.”
The nearly $21m in LSA grant proceeds is derived from three distinct funds –
Local Share Account Statewide – $12,928,220; Local Share Account Category 4 Facilities Program (Westmoreland County) – $4,021,881; and an additional $4,021,881 distributed to Hempfield Township, as the host municipality of the entertainment facility. Both the Statewide and Category 4 Facilities Program LSA’s are authorized and coordinated through the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA).
The LSA proceeds from Live! Casino for fiscal years 2021 and 2022 were distributed to 38 local municipalities and organizations and served as a major investment for 77 projects throughout Westmoreland County. Individual grants ranged from $2,850 through $1,000,000..
“The casino opening in Hempfield Township has been a true blessing,” said Douglas Weimer, vice chair of the Hempfield Township Board of Supervisors. “Their presence and contributions have not only allowed us to reverse and improve the economy around the mall, but also enhance community resources and services for all our residents.”
“Municipalities like ours are always struggling to maintain infrastructure and fulfill the needs of our residents,” said Shari Martino, manager of Irwin Borough. “The tax contributions from Live! Casino have been used on significant infrastructure projects that would otherwise go unfunded.”
From an overall economic impact standpoint, the Live! Casino facility has generated nearly $519m in investments to the economy since opening in 2020 (Nov. 2020 – June 2023). A sampling of this investment includes $40m in licensing fees, $100m in construction costs and jobs, $5.1m in local taxes to Hempfield Township, more than $123m to the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue in gaming taxes, nearly $55m in employee compensation and benefits, $38m in goods and services, and $243,000 in charitable contributions from Live! Casino’s Giveback Box program. Beyond investments and donations, jackpot winnings by customers totaled more than $156m in payouts.
“Nothing makes The Cordish Companies prouder than playing an important role in supporting and enhancing the communities in our area,” said Joe Weinberg, managing partner, The Cordish Companies. “We appreciate our team members, the elected officials and local organizations for their leadership and commitment to building a stronger Westmoreland County through our continued partnership.”
“Making a positive impact on our entire community has always been a priority for Live! Casino,” said Sean Sullivan, general manager of Live! Casino. “While today’s celebration of these grants is a significant investment, we also remain committed to the community by supporting local families with employment opportunities and to local charities through volunteering and donations.”
