Ala. Gov. Appeals FEMA Decision on Jackson County Storm Damages

Alabama Gov. Bob Riley said he will appeal a decision by the Federal Emergency Management Agency to deny federal disaster assistance to tornado victims in Jackson County.

“I’ve discussed this issue with local leaders in Jackson County as well as with officials at both FEMA and the SBA (Small Business Administration). Based on those discussions and the wishes of local Jackson County officials, I have decided to appeal FEMA’s decision,” said Riley.

The Governor was assured by officials with FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration that appealing Jackson County’s denial will not delay SBA loan applications in other affected counties.

On Feb. 15, FEMA announced that no federal disaster assistance would be available to residents in Jackson, Lawrence, Walker, and Fayette counties for damages resulting from a line of severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds, and flash-flooding that occurred on Feb. 5 and 6.

Riley declared a state of emergency in Jackson, Walker, and Lawrence Counties on February 6 and requested federal disaster assistance on February 8.

Source: Office of the Governor of Alabama