AUSTIN, Texas (AP) _ Gov. Rick Perry says the White House has rejected his request for a federal major disaster declaration for areas of Texas affected by recent wildfires.
In a statement released Tuesday night, Perry said he was “dismayed” by the rejection earlier in the day, that “it is not only the obligation of the federal government, but its responsibility under law to help its citizens in times of emergency.”
He says that since November, 9,000 fires statewide have destroyed or damaged more than 400 homes. Perry’s April 17 request came before a wave of tornadoes and other damaging storms swept across the eastern half of the nation.
A “major disaster declaration” would have made the state eligible for help in responding to and recovering from the emergency.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)