CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The state has been denied its request for federal funds in connection with the water emergency.

Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin said Wednesday he heard from FEMA earlier this week.

A FEMA administrator said the event “was not of such severity and magnitude as to warrant grant assistance under this emergency declaration.”

(Read FEMA denial letter here)

The governor disagrees and plans an appeal.

“I am extremely disappointed by FEMA’s initial response, and I share the frustration and anger of West Virginians who have endured this crisis,” Gov. Tomblin said in a statement released by his office.

U.S. senators Jay Rockefeller and Joe Manchin said they would be helping with the appeal.

Getting grant assistance from FEMA would provide the state with federal funding, reimbursing it and the counties in the water emergency area part of the costs of the response.

The governor also appealed to FEMA after the agency blocked individual assistance following damage caused by Superstorm Sandy.