WSP09553

• File Number: 8443
• Description: Narrows Unit
• State: CO
• Basin: South Platte
• Water Division: 1
• Date: 5/2/1967
• Author: Woodward-Clyde Shera
• Title: Section III Special Investigation for the Coordinator of Natural Resources State of Colorado
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Report/Study

-6-

city." Varner said that at the time of the crowbar episode,

Samples indicated that if Fort Morgan would "rent just one share
for one day" he would back down on closing tlleir well, as this'

would "set a precedent for the entire South Platte Valley."

Varner said that there were no indications that Samples per-

sonally was in a position to make any money on renting water to

the City of Fort Morgan.

He said that although the City of Fort Morgan owns 6 1/2

,.
shares of Fort Morgan Reservoir and Irrigation Company stock,

Samples told him that the city could not use any of its rights in

the Fort Morgan Canal for replacement water, because the Fort

Morgan Canal would not permit its shares to be used outside its

system. Varner said that the city acquired 5 Fort Morgan Canal

shares with its cemetery, but these are not used since the ceme-

tory is also irrigated by wells.

(Interview, Ralph Varner,

1/31/67.)

c. Councilman Reuben Peif' s version

Reuben Peif is a Fort Morgan City Councilman. He said that

Samples contacted Mr. Jolliffee, one of the councilmen, in 1965

in an effort to sell the city some water. Jolliffee then ar-

ranged the first meeting between Samples and the city council.

At that meeting Samples wanted to sell Riverside water to the

city, but the council was not interested. Peif definitely rem em-

bel'S that Samples quoted a price although he could not remember

.

it. The council decided against the offer and Samples was very

.

disgruntled. He also indicated his displeasure over the city's

position in favor of the Narrows Project.

(Interview, Reuben

Peif, 2/8/67.)

WOODWARD.Cl.YDE.$HERAfW AND ASSOCIATES

i