JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) - Gov. Matt Blunt is appealing the denial of federal public aid for tornado damage in southwest
Missouri.

The May 10 tornadoes caused 16 deaths, more than 200
storm-related injuries and left 9,000 customers without power in Barry, Jasper and Newton counties.

Preliminary damage assessments showed 154 homes destroyed and 58 with major damage. The assessments also identified $6.2 million in costs to public infrastructure.

The disaster aid was denied by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. But Blunt says in his appeal to the agency that all three counties are in desperate need of federal public assistance.

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