We commend Gov. Schwarzenegger for stepping up to address a critical local situation, in declaring a North Coast economic disaster for fishing-related businesses.

The move, which frees up guarantees for small business loans, is a good first step.

Unfortunately, most of the businesses -- from commercial fishermen to guides to hotels -- are going to have to pay back the money, so it can't be seen as an investment. What's also important is that federal aid be leveraged, to encourage people to stay in the salmon business until better times.

But what's most important is that all efforts be made to understand the problems in the Klamath River -- from diseases to water quality to fish-blocking dams to toxic algae -- and turn around the once-magnificent river so our people can have salmon to catch and make a living from.

To that end, we urge federal legislators to support a multi-faceted bill, backed by California Sens. Dianne Feinstein and Barbara Boxer and by Rep. Mike Thompson, D-St. Helena, and others, that would:

* Provide $81 million for affected commercial fishermen and related businesses in the region.

* Direct the Department of Commerce to complete a fast-tracked Klamath salmon recovery plan, and provide $45 million to implement it.

* Require the department to report back to Congress -- and us -- each year on the progress of the plan.

Republicans and Democrats should work together to bring relief to those affected, and put aside politics to fix the river.