Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. and state lawmakers are expected to recommend an aid package for flood-ravaged southern Utah that is expected to add up to at least $25 million.

The package could include a proposed $25 million loan to help the region rebuild sewer lines and other infrastructure destroyed in the deadly deluge earlier this month.

Other options Valentine said were still being considered, include helping local governments meet a 25 percent match needed to qualify for funding through the Federal Emergency Management Agency, as well as setting up a fund to help individual homeowners.

Washington County Commissioner Jim Eardley said flood-related bills are starting to pile up throughout the area, and no one has the money to pay them.

Legislative leaders toured Washington County last weekend to see the damage for themselves. The governor made the trip just after several homes were swept away by a swollen Santa Clara River and has already declared the county a disaster area.

Federal assistance through FEMA has been requested, but area lawmakers want an interest-free loan from the state so repairs can continue. The money would be paid back from whatever federal disaster relief funds ultimately come to the state.

The price tag for the damage is expected to exceed $150 million. President Bush still must sign off on the disaster declaration before federal dollars are released.