Graphic language: Cell phone captures plant explosion
Raw video: Derrick Hurtt catches dramatic blast
Federal officials have approved additional funding for the town devastated by a deadly fertilizer plant explosion in April, according to Texas Gov. Rick Perry, MyFoxDFW.com reported.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s decision to approve the application Texas filed on behalf of the town of West for a major disaster declaration represents an about-face from its earlier denial in June, the report said.
A major disaster declaration would provide millions of dollars to help the city rebuild its facilities and infrastructure.
The blast leveled homes, damaged schools and a nursing home. Fifteen people died.
West had asked for about $60 million to make repairs. They need $3 million right away to fix the water system and other infrastructure.
Back in June, Mayor Tommy Muska expressed disappointment after West was denied by FEMA.
"He promised he'd be behind us. He's so far behind us I can't see him. He needs to be beside us, not behind us," said Mayor Muska of President Barack Obama.
Friday, it seemed his views have changed. "He's beside us now. So that's good, that's a good place for him to be is beside us," said Mayor Muska.
The hottest stories ripped from the headlines, from crime to courts, legal and scandal.
