COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa (AP) — Farmers, businessmen and local officials affected by this year’s record Missouri River flooding recounted the damages they suffered and urged Iowa officials to make rebuilding a priority. Gov. Terry Branstad and an assortment of top state officials gathered in Council Bluffs Friday afternoon to hear about millions of dollars of damage caused by the flood. The people who live and work along the river say they want to know how soon repairs will be made and what will be done to limit future flooding.

Doug Palmer had to shut down his barge and rail terminal business in Sioux City in June. He says the flood has been economically painful. Several other business leaders said they hope they won’t have to remove expensive levees they built to protect their facilities.