ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Promising a swift appeal, Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton is blasting a federal decision to deny aid to homeowners and businesses repair properties from last month’s severe flooding.

Dayton on Thursday said the ruling this week by Federal Emergency Management Agency was “cruel and wrong.” The Democrat says his administration intends to explore possible discord within the agency over the decision.

In FEMA’s denial of individual assistance for northeastern Minnesota, an agency official said damage was “not of such severity and magnitude” to qualify. The denial does not affect a federal disaster request for help repairing more than $100 million in damage to roads and other public infrastructure.

The appeal could have timing implications for a special legislative session Dayton had hoped to call for late August.

(© Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)