Gov. Rick Perry says the Federal Emergency Management Agency has reversed its earlier decision and approved additional funding to help rebuild a Texas town devastated by a deadly fertilizer plant explosion.
In a statement Friday, Perry called the approval of a major disaster declaration welcome news for the town of West.
The town's fertilizer plant exploded in April, leveling homes, damaging schools and a nursing home and killing 15 people.
FEMA provided initial funding relief to the town's residents.
But it denied Texas' application for a major disaster declaration in June that would provide millions of dollars to help the city and schools rebuild facilities and infrastructure.
Perry promised to ask again, and his statement thanks Texas' congressional delegation for helping in the appeal.
Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.