DES MOINES - Iowa Gov. Chet Culver said Monday he and top officials already are working on a plan to rebuild parts of the state hit hard by flooding and would likely call lawmakers back in a special session.

"We're going to need a lot of help to bring people together and rebuild the great state, and I want to reassure folks that that process is under way," Culver said at a news conference before boarding a helicopter to tour flooded areas in southeast Iowa.

Culver said it is unclear what the total damages might be, but it would be in the billions of dollars. The state would have to be "creative and resourceful" in finding dollars for rebuilding from federal and private sources, he said.

Sen. Bill Dotzler, D-Waterloo, will be one of the experts in the Legislature on the impact of disasters that have hit the state. His home on the Cedar River flooded, and three of his family members lost houses in the tornado that hit Parkersburg and New Hartford.

Dotzler is in favor of a special session, but he fears the resources that are available won't even come close to the need that Iowans have.

"It's going to be challenge for everybody, and if the state can do something to help out, we ought to do it," Dotzler said.

Like many of those affected by record floods, Dotzler didn't have flood insurance because the area near his home hadn't flooded in the past. He lost his furnace and water heater and other items in the flood, but said he feels blessed compared to what others have gone through.

"I think we've just got to listen to people and try to help them the best we can. There are a lot of people, with this economy, (that) are on the edge and this is enough to send them over," Dotzler said.

Culver said it would be premature to say lawmakers would consider a large-scale bo