Old Bethpage, N.Y. - Nassau County Presiding Officer Judy Jacobs (D-Woodbury) and County Executive Thomas R. Suozzi were joined today by Arthur Katz, President of Knockout Pest Control, to announce a new public and private partnership to prevent termite damage to Nassau County's historic landmarks at Old Bethpage Restoration Village. The arrangement is part of the County Executive's $10 Million Revenue Enhancement Plan to upgrade Nassau County's parks and recreational facilities. The plan will protect 10 historic structures in the Old Bethpage Restoration Village for the next three years from termite infestation.

"When Mr. Katz made his proposal to me several months ago I knew immediately it sounded like a great partnership for the people of Nassau County," said Presiding Officer Jacobs. "It is exactly the kind of joint venture the county needs to pursue in the future."

"This partnership helps to preserve our aging landmarks for future generations and at the same time takes some financial burden off our already strapped budgets," said County Executive Suozzi. "Knockout Pest Control is setting a positive example that I'm hopeful will be followed by other generous members of our business community."

Knockout Pest Control of Uniondale, N.Y., will donate over $20,000 in services and materials over the next three years to prevent termite damage to the buildings in jeopardy of infestation. The Sentricon Termite Colony Elimination System, a program hailed for its environmental safety, will be installed in the buildings to eliminate termites by regulating their growth and halting the molting process. The administrators of Knockout were ahead of their time when they offered their assistance to the County before the public announcement of the Revenue Enhancement Plan in early March of this year.

"Our goal is to bring public attention to the partnership that is possible between government and industry in helping the county in this difficult economic environment," said Arthur Katz.