Clovis mayor blocks presentation on pipeline

CLOVIS - Quay County attorney Warren Frost asked to speak to Clovis city commissioners on Thursday, reporting he had "new and alarming information" about the Ute Water Pipeline.

Permission denied.

"You don't have new and alarming information to this commission; this commission is informed. I don't see you as qualified to lecture us," Clovis Mayor Mike Morris told Frost.

Frost and others opposed to building the 100-mile pipeline have stated in recent weeks that costs for a necessary water treatment plant will run $400 million to $600 million. Plans initially called for the treatment plant to cost $277 million.

While proponents don't dispute the cost estimates, they say the treatment plant is essential to the project, which already has been funded for about $1 billion.

Many in Quay County oppose the pipeline because they're concerned it will negatively affect recreational activities at Ute Lake in Logan, where the state has long reserved water for the pipeline.

While Morris would not allow Frost to address the commission on Thursday, he said if a commissioner wants Frost to speak at a future meeting, they may request it.

Commissioner Gail Tarson told Frost she'd "love to have the information" and requested that he email it to her.