No Tornado Aid For Alabama

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) - The federal government turned down
Governor Bob Riley's request for aid for three north Alabama
counties hit by killer tornadoes on February 6th.
While the governor has 30 days whether to appeal that decision,
the state Emergency Management Agency is trying to determine the
financial impact of a tornado that hit Prattville on Sunday and
whether Alabama should apply for federal assistance.
Riley had sought a federal disaster declaration for Jackson,
Lawrence and Walker counties after tornadoes claimed six lives.
FEMA denied the request on Friday because there was not enough
uninsured damage in the counties to meet federal requirements.
Victor Manning, emergency management director for Jackson
County, said today he's disappointed it took so long to get a
response.
A federal disaster declaration provides federal funding for
cleanup, housing and other assistance.
At a news conference today, Prattville Mayor Jim Byard said
people with unmet needs, such as food, water or shelter, can
contact the United Way by calling 211. He said starting tomorrow,
(Wednesday) a one-stop shop for victims of the tornado will be set
up at the Church of the Living Water where state agencies will
provide information and answer questions.
The mayor said tetanus shots will also be available.
The twister damaged or destroyed 200 homes and 40 businesses,
but did not cause any fatalities.

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