The Joplin, Missouri, school district has rebuilt following a deadly tornado that hit more than six years ago. But it’s still haggling with federal officials over how much disaster money it’s due.
Records obtained by The Associated Press show the school district has seven appeals disputing more than $70 million of denied costs pending at regional or national headquarters of the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
The key issue is whether FEMA underestimated the cost to rebuild, or whether the district is simply trying to get as much cash as possible for its improved facilities.
School officials say they had to borrow money to pay their bills while awaiting a resolution on the disputed FEMA funding.
FEMA officials say they are trying to speed up their decisions on appeals.
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