Quinn to visit tornado-hit towns after FEMA denial

Gov. Pat Quinn is set to visit several Illinois communities hit that were by deadly tornadoes after federal officials denied the state's appeal for disaster assistance.

Quinn's public schedule says he'll visit Washington, Brookport and Belleville Wednesday and that he'll have an announcement on state relief.

In a statement late Tuesday, Quinn said the Federal Emergency Management Agency decision was based on outdated federal rules and not the serious need existing in Illinois communities.

About two dozens tornadoes hit Illinois Nov. 17. More than half a dozen people died and thousands of homes were damaged and destroyed.

Federal aid was given to people and businesses affected by those tornadoes, but FEMA denied the state's request for assistance to local governments, which Quinn says have incurred $6.1 million in storm-related expenses.