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Other Topics In This Thornton Project Group

To see more information on the Thornton Project, go to other pages in this group:


The damage the Thornton Project presents


Why a Poudre River Alternate Works


Thornton 1041 History


Thornton Comments


News and Resources Referencing Thornton 


How you can help (in process)

Thornton Eyes Possible Water Shortage

Article in Denver Post - November 15

The On November 15, the Denver Post published a long article about the City of Thornton's situation with respect to conveying the water they own through Larimer County.


Interiewed are the Mayor, Jan Kulmann, city officials and a land use lawyer describing Thornton's concerns because of the stalled Thornton pipeline in Larimer County. Gary Wockner, president of Save The Poudre represents opposition to Thornton's pipeline plans.


Read the Denver Post article here.


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Thornton's Appeal of 1041 Denial

Summary of Oral Arguments, September 9, 2020

 Before Judge Jouard:  - Eighth District Court


Despite a last minute attempt by the City of Thornton to file for a continuance, Judge Jouard decided to proceed with oral arguments in the Thornton Lawsuit yesterday.  


Thornton’s motion for a continuance was based on the recent approval of NISP by the Commissioners, which they felt could have a direct bearing on their case.  Counsel for Larimer County and Interveners, No Pipe Dream and Save The Poudre opposed this motion.  The Judge granted permission for all parties to submit written arguments for future consideration.  It is likely that a decision on this issue could take 2 months, which would ultimately delay the courts decision on this lawsuit.


Thornton had 40 minutes to present their arguments, which were focused on their constitutional right to construct a pipeline in Larimer Co in order to get their water.  They stated that the decree of the water court specified their location to take out water and that it was to be piped to Thornton.  Thornton argued that Larimer County violated the 1041 process by effectively denying any and all pipeline routes, requiring instead conveyance by river or canal options, which would degrade both water quantity and quality.  Thornton made additional statements, some blatantly inaccurate, regarding the routing of their pipeline and their two-year effort working in collaboration with the Larimer County Planning and Engineering group.  They cited that the county staff recommended approval of the 1041, which the Commissioners should have accepted.  Thornton closed their arguments with a request for the judge to order the Commissioners to approve the 1041 and specify which of the two pipeline routes should be used.


Attorneys for Larimer County, No Pipe Dream and Save The Poudre had 40 minutes, 20 minutes and 10 minutes, respectively to present their oral arguments, which were a clear benefit of the intervener strategy, since we collectively were allowed 70 minutes for arguments vs. 40 minutes for Thornton.   Arguments focused on: 

    • The Courts decision should be based on Rule 106 dealing with the adequacy of the 1041 process, which the court must uphold even if only one of the Commissioners findings are validated and that Rule 57 arguments from Thornton regarding their water rights are irrelevant.

    • The 1041 process was extensive and took place over a two-year period of time, involved 7 public hearings and a working group of Larimer County citizens including scientist, professors and engineers.  

    • The decision to approve and/or deny a 1041 is the sole responsibility of the County Commissioners who are elected officials and that staff recommendations have no binding effect on their decision. 

    • Thornton’s failure to propose specific pipeline routes, opting instead to request ¼ mile wide construction corridors, which were impossible for the county and the public to properly evaluate.

    • Any potential decision from the court to overturn the Commissioners ruling should at a minimum result require Thornton to reapply in the 1041 process and not be a directive to approve the 1041 and specify a pipeline route as requested by Thornton.

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Upcoming Events with Thornton

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Awaiting Decision by Judge Jouard

The next step in Thornton's appeal will be the response by Judge Stephen Jouard, Eighth District Court (Larimer & Jackson Counties) to the oral arguments presented on September 9, 2020. 

Other Topics In This Thornton Project Group

To see more information on the Thornton Project, go to other pages in this group:


The damage the Thornton Project presents


Why a Poude River Alternate Works


Thornton 1041 History


Thornton Comments


News and Resources Referencing Thornton


How you can help (in process)


Address: P.O. Box 2465, Fort Collins, CO 80522 Copyright © 2020 Stop Thornton's Pipe Dream - All Rights Reserved
Photo on Home page courtesy of Save the Poudre
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