In a continuation of previous discussions, the Larimer County commissioners convened another meeting on Monday evening to consider a proposed pipeline that would convey water from the Poudre River to the city of Thornton. Originally acquired by Thornton in the 1980s, this water source is viewed as crucial for addressing the increasing housing demands in the Denver suburbs.
During the public commentary segment, supporters of the pipeline, particularly representatives from Thornton and local housing developers, emphasized the necessity of the project to facilitate housing development in the expanding suburbs north of Denver. However, opponents raised concerns about the potential impact on the Poudre River, the source of the water, and expressed skepticism regarding the credibility of Thornton and housing developer representatives, alleging that they were financially incentivized to support the proposal.
The crux of the issue revolves around 1041 permits, a legal mechanism that enables cooperation between governing bodies. Introduced in 1974, 1041 permits empower local governments to retain control over specific development projects that might have broader regional implications. In cases where a proposed project would directly affect another jurisdiction, the affected jurisdiction has the authority to approve or reject the 1041 request. In 2019, Larimer County declined a 1041 proposal for the same pipeline project, a decision that Thornton appealed and the 8th Judicial District Court upheld. At the time, the Larimer County commissioners determined that Thornton’s application did not fully align with the county’s land use criteria.
In December 2022, Thornton resubmitted a revised proposal that was deemed complete by county staff and commissioners, paving the way for further consideration. Since then, multiple public hearings, including the one held on Monday, have been scheduled to gather public input. The Monday hearing featured extensive public commentary, spanning approximately 90 minutes, with individuals expressing diverse perspectives. Local landowners potentially affected by the 42-inch pipeline construction, environmental activists, college students, and others voiced concerns about the potential environmental consequences or negative impacts on their livelihoods.
Proponents of the pipeline, including county officials, asserted that the project would have minimal environmental impact and that its benefits outweighed any potential drawbacks. Morgan Cullen, representing the Homebuilders Association of Metro Denver, emphasized the critical need for additional housing construction to address the current housing shortage. According to Cullen, providing Thornton with access to the additional water supply would enable the residential construction industry to address the pressing housing crisis.
The commissioners extended the public comment period beyond the adjournment of the meeting, scheduling a follow-up hearing for May 6 at 6:00 pm at the Larimer County Administration Building in Fort Collins to accommodate additional public input on the proposed pipeline project.
