We do indeed plan to release a Linux client alpha of 1.9.0. However, this may not happen the day of the 1.9.0 release. I will work on a new build as soon as all of the last minute issues with are ironed out -- I should know tomorrow (Tuesday 3/14) whether it will be smooth sailing or not! (I will post an update with that information soon after.)
To address other concerns voiced here about the state of this project: the developer who did most of the work on the Linux client has been busy with other projects for the last several weeks and therefore is unable to attend to bug fixes. We anticipate his return to the project soon, although I have not spoken with him or Cory about an exact start date.
Suffice it to say that we at Linden Lab are all impressed with the tenacity and dedication of the Linux community and your support for the client. I heartily encourage all of you to continue submitting bugs, and sharing your tips and tricks with the others in this forum as well as in-world. Once the developer is back on the case, and other resources are free, we will move forward with fixes where ever possible!