Judge Delays Hearing on San Joaquin River Suit

A judge has delayed a U.S. district court hearing on restoring flows in the San Joaquin River until after federal officials submit a record of decisions involved in building Friant Dam.

The record dates back to the 1930s when federal officials began construction, which saved agriculture on the east side of the San Joaquin Valley but destroyed a chinook salmon run.

Environmentalists sued the federal government in 1988 seeking restoration of the river. The lawsuit halted for settlement talks in 1999, but resumed after a deal could not be reached.