Letter from A. M. Folger (Las Vegas) to William Reinhardt, August 27, 1948

Las Vegas - August 27, 1948 W 23-1 Mr. Wm. Reinhardt: A day or two ago, Mayor Cragin called at the office and asked if the Water Company would consider extension of a water main south of the city limit to afford fire protection to the resort hotels. He stated the City has an agreement with Clark County under which City fire equipment will be sent to assist the resort hotels in case of fire, and the hotels pay for this service; that that they could not stand by and permit the hotels to burn in any event because of its effect on the economy of the City. I advised him that we had previously considered a request from the new Hotel Thunderbird to extend our mains south of the city limits, but could not comply with their request because our facilities and the underground supply in the area from which we take our water are such that we could with reasonable safety serve the City, but are certain that such supply is not sufficient to serve the surrounding areas. He stated that no water would be used from the subject water main extension except in case of fire, and that under the present setup the City Fire Department is unable to combat a fire if there is not an adequate supply of water available. He stated the hotels could save about $20,000.00 in insurance premiums over a three-year period if a supply of water were available for use in emergency, and that they are willing to pay for the cost of the water main extension and also a standby charge of $100.00 per month if this extension could be made. Will be glad to have the benefit of your advice. While I feel that the Mayor is acting in good faith, it is possible that the hotel men may be using this as an opening wedge for water service to their hotels after the fire line is installed. On the other hand, I feel sura that a good deal of the political pressure for the formation of a water district here, and subsequent acquisition of the Water Company's lines, comes from operators of resorts on South 5th Street that are not now furnished with service by our Company. Incidentally, a petition for formation of the Water District will be presented to the County Commissioners this Monday, August 30th, at which time they will also receive any protests. Mayor Cragin's letter of August 24th on this subject is attached. A. M. Folger