FEMA again says no to Mpls individual tornado aid

Debris removal
Friends help clean debris from the home of Terry and Chrissy Brogdon in north Minneapolis, Minn., on June 4, 2011. The residence was in the path of a tornado that hit the neighborhood on May 22.
MPR Photo/Nikki Tundel

The federal government has again said no to disaster aid for homeowners, renters and businesses dealing with damage from a deadly Minneapolis tornado.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency Friday denied Minnesota's appeal.

FEMA reaffirmed its finding that the state, local governments and volunteer groups together have the capacity to address tornado damage for individuals.

Gov. Mark Dayton had tried to reverse FEMA's original decision. Dayton says his administration "remains committed to aiding north Minneapolis" and other areas hit by the May 22 tornado.

Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak calls FEMA's decision "disappointing" but says it "will not hold north Minneapolis back."

President Barack Obama did declare a disaster for Hennepin and Anoka counties, clearing the way for federal assistance to help repair more than $16 million in damage to public infrastructure.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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