FEMA denied Perry's appeal for help

WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) - After Tropical Storm Hermine struck Texas in September, Gov. Rick Perry asked for a federal disaster declaration for 13 counties.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency turned down that request, saying the damage was not severe enough to make a disaster declaration necessary.

Perry appealed that decision and on Friday, the Williamson County Office of Emergency Management was notifed that FEMA denied the governor's appeal of the denial of disaster aid.

The State of Texas has now requested a disaster declaration from the Secretary of Commerce. This declaration will enable the Small Business Administration (SBA) to make low interest Physical and Economic Injury Disaster Loans available to eligible applicants.

Travis, Williamson, Bell, Blanco and the nine other affected counties have now received word that FEMA has also turned that appeal down.

Once the SBA declaration is issued, representatives will set up a loan office in Round Rock to assist applicants. Information about the location and hours of the loan office will be posted on the Williamson County website once the site is identified.

Homeowners and renters must submit their Physical Disaster loan applications within 60 days of the declaration. Business and other eligible applicants have up to nine months to complete and submit their Economic Injury Disaster Loans applications.