Gov. Rick Perry confirmed that FEMA had approved Texas' appeal of its initial decision in June to deny major disaster declaration funding.
FEMA already has provided millions of dollars in aid to West and its residents, but the original denial had prevented them from getting some of the widespread assistance typically available to victims of tornadoes, hurricanes and other natural disasters. It also had slowed the effort to rebuild schools and other municipal structures.
"I know that they didn't make the right decision, but I'm glad they changed that decision," West Mayor Tommy Muska said in an interview Friday. He added, jokingly: "I think I just missed a call from the White House."
West Independent School District superintendent Marty Crawford said the additional funding will allow officials to move forward with plans to rebuild the schools damaged in the April 17 blast.
"You can call me an eternal optimist," Crawford said, his voice heavy with emotion, "but I've always had faith that this little piece of Americana was going to be taken care of."
The White House issued a statement, saying federal funding is available to "state and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged."
Perry thanked Texas' congressional delegation for helping in the appeal.
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