Legislation protecting the lower portions of the Gualala and Albion rivers from development has passed the Legislature and is awaiting the signature of Gov. Gray Davis.
The bill, which passed easily in both the state Senate and Assembly, would protect the lower portions of each river under the state's Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, which prohibits diversions, impoundments and exports of water.
Assemblywoman Patty Berg, D-Eureka, said she introduced the bill in response to a now-dead proposal to pump millions of gallons of water from the rivers each year for delivery to thirsty San Diego County.
Huge fiberpoly bags containing the water were to be towed south through coastal waters by tugboats.
Berg, claiming support from officials, landowners and timber cutters in the affected communities, said Friday she was ``very hopeful'' Davis would sign the bill.