State Appeals FEMA's Denial Of San Bruno Disaster Funds
SAN BRUNO (AP) -- California's governor is appealing a federal decision to deny disaster funds to the city of San Bruno and the state for last month's fatal gas pipeline explosion.
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger sent a letter to President Barack Obama on Wednesday. He is asking that the Federal Emergency Management Agency reverse its decision not to declare a disaster.
The Pacific Gas & Electric Co. pipeline explosion on Sept. 9 destroyed 37 homes and killed eight people. FEMA has agreed to reimburse the state for up to 75 percent of firefighting costs, but won't cover other expenses.
FEMA said funds from state and local governments, along with money pledged by PG&E, would cover those costs.
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