Millions of dollars from Hollywood Casino will go to various social services, including government housing and free student lunch projects, in Dauphin County.
The Dauphin County Commissioners approved on Feb. 22 the awarding of over 150 projects with funding through a revenue share program with Hollywood Casino. Programs include emergency services, affordable housing projects, food bank and shelter resources, youth and veterans programs and services, and other school and community-based improvement projects.
“The fruits of the local share program have been plentiful and continue to impact every corner of Dauphin County,” Commissioner Chair Mike Pries said. “These transformative projects would otherwise have to be paid for with taxpayer dollars.”
Commissioner Chad Saylor said the money from the casino “has become the gift that keeps on giving.”
According to law, the local share funds cannot be used to offset property taxes.
Over $8.375 million will be awarded to programs and agencies across Dauphin County, including $65,000 for an elevator installation project for Jewish Family Service, $10,000 for new dugouts for Linglestown Baseball Association, and $40,000 to St. Stephen’s Episcopal School for a free meal program for students.
The complete list of projects awarded funding can be found at the Dauphin County government website.
Chris Hume is the host of The Lancaster Patriot Podcast and the author of several books, including Seven Statist Sins. He can be reached at info@thelancasterpatriot.com.
