*** UPDATE *** Not much of a surprise. There will be an appeal. From a press release…

Governor Pat Quinn today issued the following statement regarding the state’s efforts to secure federal assistance for people affected by the Feb. 29 tornado.

“Today I spoke with Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano and informed her that we intend to appeal FEMA’s denial of our request for much-needed individual assistance for the people of Southern Illinois. I urged Secretary Napolitano to reconsider FEMA’s decision. We are doing everything possible at the state level to help these devastated communities, but some of the assistance that our residents need to begin rebuilding their lives is only available through a federal disaster declaration.

“I met with local officials, spent time with residents and saw firsthand the devastation and damage caused by the tornado in Southern Illinois. FEMA underestimated the impact this deadly tornado had on small towns like Harrisburg and Ridgway. We have already begun work on our appeal of this decision in order to secure federal assistance.

“I am grateful to Senator Dick Durbin, Senator Mark Kirk and the Illinois Congressional Delegation for their vigorous support of our efforts to bring assistance to the people whose lives were ripped apart by the Feb. 29 tornado. We are hopeful our joint efforts will help FEMA understand that a full recovery from this disaster cannot happen without their support.”

[ *** End Of Update *** ]

* The state applied for a federal disaster declaration after a devastating tornado hit Harrisburg. It was thought to be a routine request, particularly since President Obama himself had expressed his concern about the tragedy. FEMA sent this letter to Illinois on Saturday…

Based on our review of all of the information available, it has been determined that the damage was not of such severity and magnitude as to be beyond the capabilities of the State, affected local governments, and voluntary agencies. Accordingly, we have determined that supplemental Federal assistance is not necessary. Therefore, I must inform you that your request for a major disaster declaration is denied.

Hey, FEMA, I got news for you clowns: Anything that costs more than about $1.85 is beyond Illinois’ capabilities right now. Sheesh.

* React…

Harrisburg Mayor Eric Gregg said he was confused by FEMA’s denial and questioned what criteria the agency used to evaluate the damage.

“How was the decision made, who made the decision and why was it made? I think that’s a fair question that needs to be answered, of course, to those that lost everything. I think there are going to be a lot of discussions in the days ahead,” Gregg told WSIL-TV.

Sens. Dick Durbin and Mark Kirk also issued a statement Sunday denouncing the ruling and seeking a meeting with FEMA Administrator W. Craig Fugate to discuss the decision, which they called “unacceptable.” […]

“I can’t believe this,” Durbin said Sunday in Springfield, according to The State Journal-Register. “I’ve never seen worse tornado damage. We owe it to the people to make sure … everything was accounted for.”

* From a Gov. Pat Quinn press release…

“I am extremely disappointed that FEMA denied our request for federal assistance that is needed to help people in Harrisburg, Ridgway and the other communities devastated by this deadly tornado. After personally surveying the damage and talking to many residents who lost their homes, I firmly believe federal assistance is crucial to help them begin the recovery process.

“I support Senator Dick Durbin’s efforts to encourage federal officials to reconsider their decision. In the meantime, I have directed Illinois Emergency Management Agency Director Jonathon Monken to continue working with local officials to ensure that we do everything possible to secure critical assistance.”