Mineola, N.Y- With homeowners and local municipalities reporting an estimated $15 million in damages from the unprecedented eight days of rainfall earlier this month, Nassau County Executive Thomas R. Suozzi and Rep. Carolyn McCarthy (D-Fourth District) called on Gov. Pataki to seek federal aid for county residents.

"After surveying the damage done in Nassau County and seeing the effect on the lives of homeowners, it is clear we need to act," Suozzi said. "The property loss and home damage our residents suffered is staggering, and much of it is not covered by insurance. We need the federal government to step in. We are calling on Gov. Pataki to set the process in motion so that our residents can obtain relief."

Homeowners, businesses and local municipalities in the county have reported losses of more than $15.5 million, Suozzi said.

Congresswoman McCarthy vowed to help county residents obtain the help they need. "With more than $15 million in damages already incurred and the possibility of Hurricane Wilma reaching Long Island later this week, the time to act is now," McCarthy said. "I urge Governor Pataki to make the call for federal disaster relief for Long Island. Once the Governor makes the request, my colleagues in the Long Island Congressional Delegation and I will work hard to ensure our area gets what it needs to help those hurt by the flooding."

U.S. Sen. Charles E. Schumer (D-NY) also has called on Gov. Pataki to assist Nassau residents in obtaining federal assistance.

Suozzi added that with additional rain expected to fall on parts of Long Island during the next several days, already hard hit areas could see more flooding. "We will be ready to assist in the event of more flooding problem and our emergency crews will be on the alert to keep storm catch basins working. But now is the time for action on the part of the state and federal governments as well," Suozzi said. "With more rain on the horizon, we need help in Nassau County."

During the past week, since Suozzi first asked homeowners who suffered damage to report their losses to local and county officials, the county executive's office has received more than 1,200 calls. So far, more than 400 residents have filed reports of losses totaling $10.7 million, including damaged heating systems, appliances and structural problems. In addition, a survey of local towns, villages and cities within the county shows that local governments in the county suffered another $4.8 million in storm-related damages and costs, such as overtime.

In order to qualify for federal assistance, the county is required to document $3.9 million in losses due to the storm. The county has documented claims now that are more than double the threshold for federal assistance.