FOX 21 News, KQDS-DT

DULUTH-Senator Al Franken (D-Minnesota) inspected flooding damage in the Fond du Lac neighborhood on Saturday and brought media into the area for the first time since its historic flooding.

"It's very important for homeowners and business owners to document the damage to their homes and businesses," Sen. Franken said.

The issue of damage documentation is being emphasized by Minnesota's politicians as the chance of emergency funding coming down becomes more real.

Next week Damage recovery centers will open across the Northland to giving flood victims access to paperwork needed for financial help.

Franken however stressed on his tour that neither the state nor the country has committed to any aid dispersal yet.

FEMA assessors have already been through the area to check out public property. Private damages, however, are taken care of separately.

"Starting Friday there will be a disaster recovery center in Duluth. People who have damage need to show up there. It's only for four days," State Representative Kerry Gauthier (DFL-Duluth) said.

"We will pick up, we will put it back together, we will keep moving forward and all of us will do everything that we can to assist," Sen. Roger Reinert (DFL-Duluth) said.

And although state officials are optimistic about help coming through a special session, neighbors in the area say they are thinking realistically.

"Expectations are not real high. Certainly we wish MnDOT or the city of Duluth can take care of this and what not," neighbor to the overflowing mission creek, Paul Bachinski, said. "DNR is our biggest deal to get this thing back in order."

And Franken warns he has seen it before - where public funding may be approved but private damages don't meet the criteria for government help.

"But again, there's nothing certain here in terms of individual assistance," Sen. Franken said.

Starting next Friday four disaster recovery centers will open in places including Duluth, Carlton, and Pine.

The locations will have "Common Community Applications" that will be needed if the president signs off on an emergency decree. Specifics on the centers are not yet available.