HARRISBURG, Ill. — Federal, state and local leaders were stunned and in disbelief when they learned FEMA once again denied to declare five counties in southern Illinois as disaster areas, shutting the door on millions in financial assistance.

“That’s pretty rough,” Harrisburg Mayor Eric Gregg said when he learned of the decision March 21. “It’s just unbelievable. I thought we had hit the numbers. We were right on target.

“We’re resilient people. We’re going to make it work.”

Harrisburg, in Saline County, and parts of four other Illinois counties were hit by tornadoes Feb. 29, killing seven people and damaging a total of 441 homes and nearly 100 businesses. Among the worst for business was at the Farmer Supply Co-op, where two grain bins, a warehouse and two other buildings were destroyed. Manager Danny Evans estimated the damage at about $1 million.

Total damage estimates were listed in the $9 million range, although some of that would be covered through private insurance, FEMA officials said. The agency initially denied the state’s application for disaster status March 9, and a week later FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate agreed to reconsider the denial after updated damage information was submitted.

Fugate contacted Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn with the latest decision on March 21. “After a thorough review of all the information contained in your initial request and appeal, we reaffirm our original findings that the impact from this event is not of the severity and magnitude that warrants a major disaster declaration,” Fugate wrote. “The required response appears to be within the combined capabilities of the state and affected local governments. Therefore, I must inform you that your appeal for a major disaster declaration is denied.”

A day later, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) did declare the area as qualifying for low-interest loans to help uninsured homeowners rebuild. In its application to the SBA, Quinn noted 25 homes and businesses that sustained uninsured losses of 40 percent or more would qualify for the loans.

A FEMA declaration would have allowed access to other aid, including cleanup costs to governments, legal services for residents and temporary housing expenses. “I am very disappointed with this decision and do not believe it reflects the reality and devastation on the ground,” Quinn said.

Typically, FEMA won’t declare an area a disaster unless damages total at least $12 million, said Rick Sylves, a George Washington University professor who has studied FEMA spending.

In its denial, FEMA also recognized that Harrisburg, in particular, received much local and state assistance in the wake of the tornado from volunteer, charity groups and various fundraisers.

At the same time FEMA announced its decision to deny aid to southern Illinois, it also denied federal aid to parts of Ohio and Missouri hit by tornadoes in early March. But FEMA did approve aid for parts of southern Indiana and northern Kentucky, hit by storms in a wider area three days after the Illinois storms hit.