PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – Washington Governor Bob Ferguson announced his decision on Monday to appeal the federal government’s denial of disaster relief funds to help the state recover from a deadly bomb cyclone that struck the state in November.

A series of storms, including a “bomb cyclone,” caused widespread damage across several counties and killed two people, according to the governor’s office, noting the storm brought an estimated $34 million in damage.

“There are very clear criteria to qualify for these emergency relief funds. Washington’s application met all of them,” Governor Ferguson said. “This is another troubling example of the federal government withholding funding. Washington communities have been waiting for months for the resources they need to fully recover from last winter’s devastating storms, and this decision will cause further delay. We will appeal.”

Former Gov. Jay Inslee initially declared a disaster in several counties, including Grays Harbor, Island, King, Pacific, Snohomish, Wahkiakum, Walla Walla and Whatcom before Gov. Ferguson expanded the declaration to include Clallam and Jefferson counties after the extent of the damage was known.

According to Gov. Ferguson’s office, Washington applied for FEMA disaster relief funds in January to repair public highways, utilities and electrical power systems.

However, on Friday, FEMA denied Inslee’s application, stating the federal funds were not “warranted.”

“Based on our review of all the information available, it has been determined that supplemental federal assistance under the Stafford Act is not warranted. Therefore, I must inform you that your request for a major disaster declaration is denied,” Cameron Hamilton, interim FEMA administrator, wrote Gov. Inslee.

“FEMA’s Region X Regional Administrator will communicate any additional resources that may be available through Other Federal Agencies and/or volunteer organizations to address unmet needs for survivor assistance. In addition, FEMA will coordinate with the State of Washington to identify additional damage information to support an appeal if necessary,” Hamilton continued.

Gov. Ferguson’s office pointed out that FEMA’s public assistance programs reimburse states at least 75% of eligible costs for declared disasters, noting Washington’s estimated $34 million in storm damage will likely increase as the state works on its appeal, which must be submitted within 30 days.