Nassau County Deputy Presiding Officer Roger Corbin (D-Westbury) and members of the Nassau County Legislature approved yesterday, a historic preservation grant in the amount of $2 million dollars for the preservation and refurbishment of the Old County Courthouse at 1550 Franklin Avenue in Mineola.

"Nassau County's Old Courthouse is badly in need of repair and restoration," said Corbin. "The courthouse was once a magnificent, historic landmark and it is our responsibility to the residents of Nassau County to restore this building and rededicate it as the symbolic center of Nassau County government and operations."

Erected in 1900, the Courthouse was intended to be the architectural symbol of a new county in a new century, however, years of neglect, inadequate resources and lack of commitment to preservation are visible on the façade of the Old Courthouse. The complete restoration is necessary to restore the historical integrity of this building and reclaim its significance as a symbol of civic pride. The historic preservation grant specifically focuses on the exterior façade of this deteriorating structure as well as safeguarding it against further decay.

Initial planning for improvements to this structure began in January 2002 with the organization of a team consisting of private citizens, county employees from the Department of Public Works and the county executive's staff, architectural consultants from John G. Waite Associates Architects PLLC and state and local political figures.

"Although Nassau County has experienced a tremendous turnaround, there is always room for improvement and correction," added Corbin. "I am pleased that we were able to approve additional funding to restore this building for government use and am committed to ensuring that it is properly maintained for future generations to come."

The legislature also approved:

*A supplemental appropriation of $11,000 in funds from the New

York State Office of the Aging to recruit and train volunteers to provide outreach in assisting seniors, their families and the public to identify, prevent and report Medicare and Medicaid fraud and abuse. The county's match of $3,667 is required.

*A supplemental appropriation of $114,997 in funds to be received from the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice programs for the Local Law Enforcement Block Grant. The purpose of the grant is to provide funding to units of local government to be used to reduce crime and improve public safety. Nassau County has been awarded these funds to be allocated as follows: $20,000 to the Nassau County Youth Board and the Uniondale Community Council to participate in a joint project that will focus on gang intervention and provide a Street Outreach initiative; $30,000 to the Nassau County Coalition Against Domestic Violence to offer intervention services to crime victims and $64,997 to the police department to purchase general and technological equipment related to public safety.

The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 12 at 2 p.m.