Suffolk post-Sandy sales tax breaks

About 36 businesses damaged by superstorm Sandy have received $185,000 in sales tax breaks from Suffolk County for buying equipment and building materials needed to reopen, an official said Thursday.

Anthony Manetta, executive director of the county's Industrial Development Agency, said another 60 companies have sought storm aid so far.

"We've made hundreds of calls to businesses in coastal areas and on the North Fork and South Fork," he said.

The sales-tax exemption is limited to those with 50 or fewer employees. It has been capped at a total savings of $800,625 for a maximum of 200 Sandy-ravaged businesses.

For more information, go to www.suffolkida.org or call 631-853-4802.

The Nassau County Industrial Development Agency is offering a similar program.