West, Texas — Texas Gov. Rick Perry’s office reported last week that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has denied additional federal aid to West, Texas, following the April 17 explosion at the West Fertilizer facility that killed 15 and caused an estimated $100 million in property losses to homes and businesses in the town. FEMA has reportedly provided more than $7 million in federal funds directly to families affected by the disaster, as well as emergency housing assistance, and is also paying 75 percent of the cost of debris removal. According to reports, FEMA informed the governor’s office that it was withholding additional aid because the damage in West “is not of the severity and magnitude that warrants a major disaster declaration.” Perry issued a statement saying he was disappointed by the decision. “The day of the West memorial service, President Obama stood in front of a grieving community and told them they would not be forgotten,” Perry said. “He said his administration would stand with them, ready to help. We anticipate the president will hold true to his word and help us work with FEMA to ensure much-needed assistance reaches the community of West.” West officials have said some $57 million in assistance is needed to complete repairs, including $40 million to rebuild devastated schools near the blast.
Transparency Across the Fertilizer Value-Chain