Assemblyman David G. McDonough (R,C,I-Merrick) is reminding local residents and businesses to take advantage of National Grid’s new Hurricane Sandy Emergency Economic and Community Redevelopment Program for their gas customers. The program will be providing eligible customers with assistance as they work to recover from the storm’s devastation.

“Residents and businesses across the community and across Long Island have been overwhelmingly supportive of those affected by the storm,” said McDonough. “As we work to restore a sense of normalcy, it is important that those affected take advantage of the full array of resources available to them. While aid is available through private organizations and insurance, residents also are encouraged to file an application with FEMA before the December 31 deadline and other agencies such as National Grid.”

National Grid’s assistance will be offered to gas customers affected by the storm in a three-tier process. Tier 1 assistance will be offered to residents most severely impacted and credits will be applied directly to these customers’ bills. Customers eligible for Tiers 2 and 3 assistance may be able to receive help fully repairing or replacing their boilers, natural gas furnaces, and/or water heaters, depending upon income eligibility and other factors. The company will continue to contact customers who might fall into Tiers 2 and 3. Anyone who has not been contacted by representatives from National Grid can obtain recovery assistance applications from Assemblyman McDonough’s office at 404 Bedford Avenue in Bellmore.

“I want to again thank the residents, businesses, emergency service providers and local officials across the region for their support and efforts during this time of need. Without the hard work of everyone involved, a full recovery would not be possible,” concluded McDonough.

Full details about National Grid’s Hurricane Sandy Emergency Economic and Community Redevelopment Program and application process can be found at http://www2.nationalgridus.com/pshome/gasemrinf/gasemrinf_ny_kedli.jsp#dvEmegencyEcoAndComDev.