FEMA Denies Illinois Governments Aid Following Tornadoes

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has denied a request for aid to local governments in Illinois after deadly tornadoes swept the state in November.

FEMA sent a letter on Thursday to the Illinois Emergency Management Agency saying that damage after the storms wasn't severe enough to warrant federal help. The storms left at least 7 people dead statewide and destroyed hundreds of homes and businesses.

Gov. Pat Quinn says the state will appeal the decision. He says he's "disappointed" in FEMA's decision, which affects Champaign, Douglas, Grundy, Massac, Tazewell, Vermilion, Washington, Wayne and Woodford counties. The state is seeking to recover about $6 million in costs to local governments in the nine affected counties.

The federal government has previously approved millions of dollars in aid for residents and businesses.