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Federal officials deny Illinois appeal for disaster funds

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has denied the state's appeal for federal assistance to help local governments recover from flooding and storms in December and January. 

Illinois Emergency Management Agency James Joseph says states with high populations of concentrated urban areas struggle to reach thresholds required by the federal government.  He calls the process unfair and says the state's poorest areas will continue to suffer. 

The state appealed earlier this month after FEMA denied assistance to help local governments recover flood-related expenses. The appeal called for nearly $17 million in costs for several counties, including Alexander, Cass, Jackson, Monroe, Pike and St. Clair. 

The state's request for FEMA funds to help residents and businesses was also denied last month. 

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