DES MOINES (AP) — Iowa Gov. Chet Culver said Monday a disaster relief package approved in Congress over the weekend is “a start” to the state’s recovery from severe weather in the spring and summer.

Culver said the issue now will be how large of a share Iowa gets of the $23 billion approved by Congress.

“I’ll have more to say when we know more details about the specific amount that will be earmarked for Iowa,” said Culver. “All we know today is that 23 billion additional dollars have been appropriated, we don’t know how much of that we’re going to get.”

The governor said he would continue to press for disaster assistance in specific areas such as agriculture and transportation, while pressing for as big a share as he can get of the general disaster relief.

“I’ll be in constant contact with our delegation,” said Culver. “I am pleased they got it done before they adjourned.”

The governor spoke with reporters after delivering a speech to a session of the Older Iowans Legislature. He focused on a two-pronged effort to get assistance to Iowans — pressing the federal government for more assistance and pushing to see that aid already approved actually gets distributed.

Congress approved the latest disaster assistance over the weekend as lawmakers worked to adjourn so they can return home for campaigning before the Nov. 4 election.

“It’s a start certainly and we’re going to just keep pressing as hard as humanly possible to make sure that federal funds that have already been approved get distributed to the state of Iowa,” Culver said.

That assistance will include up to $150 million in housing assistance that’s expected to be distributed in the next four to six weeks, the governor said.

The Older Iowans Legislature is an annual event run by the state’s Department of Elder Affairs. In the event, seniors from across the state gather in a mock legislative session to approve a series of priorities that will be delivered to the real Legislature when it convenes in January.

Lawmakers typically pay attention to that priority list because seniors vote in higher numbers than any other demographic group. Culver acknowledged that in his speech.

“You represent some of the most active Iowans,” he said. “My administration has focused a lot on this area and I feel good about our record to date.”

Culver continue his focus on disaster relief in speaking to seniors, saying older Iowans face the roughest chore in rebuilding. He said many are reluctant to come forward and seek assistance.

“I’m challenging you to be my eyes and ears on the ground,” the governor said.

Part of the recovery effort includes a door-to-door campaign seeking seniors who may have suffered damages and aren’t aware of assistance programs, the governor said.

“Volunteers went door to door to identify the most immediate needs of seniors,” he said.

While Culver has been pressing hard on disaster relief, some victims have grumbled about the a lack of aid. He insisted progress is being made.

“The good news is we are rebuilding. We are making progress,” said Culver.

Culver urged the seniors to encourage others to apply for assistance. He noted the deadline for applying for aid was extended to the end of October.