FEMA Says No to Okla. Ice Storm Appeal

Federal officials have formally denied Oklahoma’s appeal for individual assistance in the December ice storm, according to the governor’s office. Gov. Brad Henry called the decision by the Federal Emergency Management Agency disappointing and frustrating. Although FEMA did not specifically explain why it denied Oklahoma’s original, Jan. 9 request or its appeal, top FEMA officials have told the media and others that not enough homes sustained damage to qualify. Gov. Henry said structural damage is only one small component of reimbursable damages and should not have disqualified the state’s request. In its request, the state cited multiple disasters in 2007, damages to homes and businesses, the fiscal impact to businesses closed by power outages and the continuing health hazard of remaining storm debris, among other things. In its denial, FEMA stated that Oklahoma and its non-profit assistance organizations could cover state losses.