This is in response to a letter from your office dated December 21, 2017, which transmitted the referenced second appeal on behalf of the City of Joplin (Applicant). The Applicant is appealing the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) denial of costs associated with a request to change the scope of work for sewer repairs. As explained in the enclosed analysis, I have determined that the Applicant has not demonstrated the claimed sewer damages are a direct result of the disaster. Therefore, the requested $329,456.31 in funding for those costs is ineligible for Public Assistance. Accordingly, I am denying this appeal. Please inform the Applicant of my decision. This determination is the final decision on this matter pursuant to 44 C.F.R. § 206.206, Appeals.