AP-NDDeclaration Denied,0097 Presidential disaster declaration for snow denied

Bismarck, N.D. (AP) The Federal Emergency Management Agency has denied a request that Gov. John Hoeven made in mid-February for a presidential disaster declaration to deal with the heavy and sometimes record snowfall in North Dakota this winter.

FEMA spokesman Jerry DeFelice (dee-fuh-LEES') says the request did not meet the necessary criteria because dealing with the snowfall was not deemed to be beyond the capacity of state and local governments.

The state is considering an appeal.

DeFelice says the matter is separate from the spring flood-fighting effort and won't affect it.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 03-21-09 1113CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list