Negotiators wrap up talks on Klamath Dam removal

Long road still ahead to secure federal legislation, billion dollars in funding.

Negotiators have wrapped up the second half of a two-part agreement to remove four dams on the Klamath River to help salmon.

Representatives of governments, Indian tribes, fishermen, and conservation groups concluded talks in Sacramento, Calif., on Thursday on $1 billion worth of fish and wildlife habitat restoration and greater assurances of irrigation water for farmers.

Portland-based utility PacifiCorp has already agreed to terms for removing the dams.

Craig Tucker, Klamath campaign coordinator for the Karuk Tribe, says a signing ceremony could take place next month, after enough of the parties approve the final document.

Actual removal of the dams would not start until 2020, and depends on raising millions of dollars from cash-strapped California and the federal government.