Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. (R-Merrick) today called on President Obama and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to expand federal disaster assistance available in Nassau and Suffolk Counties to home and business owners.

          While localities on Long Island will be eligible to receive federal assistance to pay for road, bridge and infrastructure repairs related to Hurricane Irene, home and business owners were not included on the list for disaster assistance.

          “Homes and businesses across Long Island have been devastated by Hurricane Irene, The federal government must provide whatever assistance is needed to help people recover,” Senator Fuschillo said.

          Governor Cuomo requested that a total of 26 counties be declared disaster areas. FEMA declared that individuals in only seven counties are eligible to apply for federal grants and low interest loans.

          “People in Nassau and Suffolk Counties are in need and should be eligible for federal assistance,” Senator Fuschillo said. “I am calling on the federal government to expand its declaration of disaster areas and not leave Long Island behind.”

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