River restoration bill finally nears completion

By Michael Doyle | McClatchy Newspapers

WASHINGTON -- San Joaquin River restoration efforts, a roller-coaster ride if there ever was one, now have cleared what could be the last big hump prior to congressional approval.

This week, negotiators resolved some final controversies over the bill's language. This isn't the first time negotiators have congratulated themselves, but the latest Capitol Hill progress sounds final.

"I think it should satisfy all concerned," Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein said Tuesday. "As far as I'm concerned, this is it."