DES MOINES, Iowa -- Key lawmakers said the chances for a special legislative session to deal with flooding issues is no better than 50-50.

A special session wouldn't be held until mid-September, after a panel appointed by Gov. Chet Culver issues its recommendations for flood relief legislation.

That would mean a session only three months before the regular session is scheduled to convene in January. Senate Majority Leader Michael Gronstal and others said a special session might not be worth the tens of thousands of dollars it would cost.

House Speaker Pat Murphy notes that Culver already has broad powers to spend state money and waive regulations without any action by lawmakers.