DALLAS (1080 KRLD) - The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is standing by its decision to deny financial aid for the City of Dallas related to the EF-3 tornado that touched down in the city on October 20th.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott and several other elected officials had appealed the agency's original ruling that the damage was not severe enough to qualify for a major disaster declaration.
FEMA notified the Governor this week that the appeal has been denied.
Officials with the City of Dallas had estimated the storms on the night of October 20th caused just over $38 million worth of damage to government-owned facilities that was not covered by insurance.
The city also pointed to damage to Dallas ISD facilities, which was estimated at $66 million.
The Dallas ISD is still working with its insurance carrier to determine how much of that damage will be covered.
"I am stunned by FEMA’s decision and extremely disappointed that our request for assistance became a bureaucratic game at the federal level," said Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson. "I am grateful to our Congressional delegation, including Senators Cornyn and Cruz, for their advocacy on our behalf. I have already spoken to Senator Cornyn, who told me he is not ready to give up on finding relief for our city."