(MSC News)--The Federal Emergency Management Agency has denied an appeal made by Governor Sam Brownback for a federal disaster declaration for thirty-one Kansas counties affected by severe storms occurring May 22-31---including Jefferson and Leavenworth. 

Brownback’s original request for a federal declaration for the public assistance grants was denied. 

Brownback filed the appeal with FEMA on Aug. 31. In a letter dated Sept. 29, FEMA denied the appeal, stating the agency reaffirmed its original findings that the damages caused by the storms did not warrant a major disaster declaration.