On Wednesday, Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson met with the Federal Emergency Management Agency administrator to discuss the city’s tornado recovery efforts.
During the meeting, Johnson advocated for Dallas’ need for federal assistance.
"FEMA has been working diligently with the City and Dallas ISD as we build our case to receive federal assistance,” Johnson said in a written statement. “We greatly appreciate the work of our federal and state partners in our effort to ensure our local taxpayers do not have to foot the entire bill created by this devastating tornado.”
Last week, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott sent President Donald Trump a request a disaster declaration for the storms that produced at least 10 tornadoes in North Texas in October. The effort was backed by U.S. senators John Cornyn and Ted Cruz.
An EF-3 tornado tore through northwest Dallas causing over $38 million in damage, according to the Dallas Office of Emergency Management.
But emergency management said FEMA only validated $32.6 million in losses.
The City of Dallas is working to get other federal funds to help cover the costs of repairing traffic lights and hauling away debris, the mayor’s office said.
The estimated damage from the tornadoes across the state adds up to about $2 billion, according to the Insurance Council of Texas.
More on WFAA:
- Neighbors deal with dumping, debris, looting as shopping center wrecked by tornado waits on insurance claim
- 'Be better, not bitter': Dallas pastor reflects on church destroyed by tornado
- Dallas sheriff deputy stole merchandise from tornado-damaged Home Depot, officials say
- Tornado destroyed their home, car, and school but this surprise changes everything for a Dallas family