FEMA denies appeal for tornado victims

Tornado damage
Minnesota was again denied FEMA assistance for homeowners, renters and businesses to offset costs incurred from a massive tornado that hit Hennepin and Anoka Counties May 22, 2011. In this file photo, Simerng Soundora assesses damage to the rental property she owns on N. Logan Ave. in Minneapolis, Minn. Monday, May 23, 2011.
MPR Photo/Jeffrey Thompson

FEMA has again denied Minnesota's appeal for individual assistance for homeowners, renters and businesses affected by the deadly May 22 tornado that hit Hennepin and Anoka Counties.

In its denial, Federal Emergency Management Agency re-affirmed the original finding that damage to dwellings and the effects on people from the tornado did not exceed the combined capabilities of the state, affected local governments and voluntary agencies.

Minneapolis Mayor Rybak says he's moving ahead with requests for other sources of aid.

"We wish we got the FEMA money - we didn't. But there are lots of other ways that we can help people and we just want people to know that we are definitely not giving up the fight," Rybak said. We are making some progress on a lot of other lines and we'll keep fighting."

Among the other sources of assistance the mayor is pursuing are small business loans and assistance from local nonprofit groups.