FEMA Denies Appeal For Disaster Aid For Tornado Victims

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) -- Members of Illinois' congressional delegation say they're disappointed the Federal Emergency Management Agency has denied the state's appeal for disaster assistance.

The state applied for the aid after seven people were killed and hundreds of homes were damaged after tornadoes swept through Harrisburg on Feb. 29. FEMA originally denied the state's request but allowed an appeal. Gov. Pat Quinn announced Wednesday that the appeal was denied.

U.S. Sens. Dick Durbin and Mark Kirk and Congressmen John Shimkus and Jerry Costello say the communities in Southern Illinois that were denied funding are eligible for other types of federal disaster assistance.

Durbin says there is "no doubt" the storm victims need disaster aid. Durbin says FEMA's denial "defies logic."

Affected areas include Gallatin, Randolph, Saline, Union and Williamson counties.

LISTEN: WBBM Newsradio's Dave Dahl reports

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