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FEMA Reverses Decision, Approves West Disaster Money

Jerry Larson
/
Waco Tribune Herald, Pool

Fire Chief George Nors in the small town of West is ecstatic that the Federal  Emergency Management Agency has reversed its decision on disaster funding. 

In June, FEMA said no to a disaster declaration.

The reversal means millions will now flow into West after April’s deadly fertilizer plant explosion that killed 15.

“For the city, the water and sewer lines that were damaged, that all needs to be taken care, " said Nors.

"Not just for fire protection but for the community to get all the homes that are left and built or rebuilt, so they will have proper sewer and water facilities.”

Chief Nors says he was surprised by today’s announcement because he thought  nothing would happen.

The  explosion destroyed schools, a nursing facility, many homes and even damaged Nors’ house.

Governor Perry thanked Texas congressional leaders for helping secure the funds.

Bill Zeeble has been a full-time reporter at KERA since 1992, covering everything from medicine to the Mavericks and education to environmental issues.