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Iowa governor invites Pelosi to tour flood damage

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By Charlotte Eby | Wednesday, August 06, 2008 |

DES MOINES — Iowa Gov. Chet Culver has invited U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to tour flood damage in the state. The invitation comes after Congress delayed action on a federal flood relief package and left for its August recess.

Culver sent a formal invitation to Pelosi last week and is hopeful she’ll make a visit to Iowa before Congress goes back into session. Culver said that when he met recently with Pelosi, she had just returned from New Orleans and the Gulf Coast, ravaged by Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

“We could take a few days if she had it, to show her the magnitude of the damage, to see the houses that were destroyed and the businesses as well,” Culver said.

Iowa’s need for housing alone is $1 billion, Culver said. Other businesses have seen substantial damage, with Alliant Energy’s loss totaling roughly $225 million and Quaker Oats’ totaling close to $200 million, according to Culver.

“I’ve continued to say we’re talking about as much as $10 billion in private-sector and public-sector loss,” Culver said.

He wants damage assessments completed as soon as possible so the state can be eligible for more flood assistance. Culver has asked for the federal government to pick up 90 percent of the cost rather than 75 percent.

“We’re pushing hard, and you know, I feel good about the progress that we’re making despite a lot of work that still has to be done,” Culver said.

Charlotte Eby can be contacted at (515) 577-3171 or chareby@aol.com.