CEDAR RAPIDS - Gov. Chet Culver is demanding that federal officials release $85 million in disaster assistance within the next 10 days, or he'll call the Legislature back into a special session to find money to help victims of this year's record flooding.

Culver said on Friday that he is willing to consider scrapping plans for a new state prison and new state office building as potential sources of money for flood victims.

He says federal bureaucracy is delaying the release of money intended for Iowa flood victims. He says he will press the issue when House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visits Iowa on Monday.

He says he's identified about $73 million that has already been approved by the Legislature for other projects that could be redirected to flood victims.

Culver also said today that the state registered $800 million in damages, elevating it to a level that forces the Federal Goverment to pay for 90% of damages to public facilities.

Culver said the state will chip in the remaining 10%, leaving cities and counties without a bill for things like city hall and streets.

With the State and Federal governments footing the bill to repair public facilities like city hall, Cedar Rapids will save $50-75 million. Linn County will save $10-15 million.

The move isn't surprising to community leaders, but it is reassuring.

Meanwhile, flood victims say they're working hard to move on, and move in.

"We have a shot to get inside before winter, but only if we work our butts off," said Michael Drommer.

Drommer hopes lawmakers have the same attitude, and so far he says he's not sure they all do.

Email Justin Foss at Justin.Foss@kcrg.com