The Federal Emergency Management Agency says it will not giveWest, Texas additional funds requested by the state's governor.

A powerful explosion on April 17 at a fertilizer retailerstoring hundreds of tons of ammonium nitrate destroyed about 140homes, an apartment complex, a retirement home and schools. Eachwere within a stone's throw of the fertilizer facility.

According to a letter from FEMA to Gov. Rick Perry, the agencyhad “determined that a major disaster declaration is not necessary”and the “remaining cost for permenent work is within thecapabilities of the state and local governemnts.” The declarationis needed for the approval of funds.

A statement from Perry reads, “The day of the West memorialservice, President Obama stood in front of a grieving community andtold them they would not be forgotten. He said his administrationwould stand with them, ready to help. We anticipate the presidentwill hold true to his word and help us work with FEMA to ensuremuch-needed assistance reaches the community of West.”

Obama did earlier issue an emergency declaration for thearea, releasing funds for individuals, cleanup, and emergencyresponders.

The denial can be appealed within 30 days.

Perry requested the declaration and federal assistance forMcLennan County, where West is located, as well as for hazardmitigation statewide, according to the letter.

The explosion also affected the small, farming community'sinfrastructure. Water lines were severely damaged, forinstance.

The West Fertilizer Co., site of a massive explosion that killed15 ­people, carried$1 million in liability insurance. The Insurance Councilof Texas estimates insured property losses of about $100million.