Milk River Project
The Lifeline of the Hi-Line
Ongoing Projects
Stay up-to-date as structures throughout the Milk River and St. Mary system move through the planning, design, and construction phases.
St. Mary Siphon Failure Updates
On June 17, 2024, the St. Mary Siphon failed, causing significant impacts to the Milk River Project. To stay informed click here.
Wildlife & Recreational Benefits
The Milk River flows over 700 miles creating incredible wildlife habitats, hunting, and recreational benefits.
What is the Milk River Project?
The Milk River Project is beyond remarkable. With over a century of successful operation, this engineering feat diverts water from the St. Mary River on the Blackfeet Reservation, flowing through northern Montana and Glacier National Park, and across southern Alberta, Canada. This project is a testament to the intricate canals, siphons, and diversions designed for a seamless flow of water. The Milk River Project is essential to fulfill Montana’s water demands, catering to eight irrigation districts, Reclamation pump contracts, private contracts, the Blackfeet and Fort Belknap Indian Reservation, and other living communities along the Milk River. The project has created numerous recreational opportunities for the surrounding inhabitants, contributing to the ecosystem’s prosperity and wildlife habitats. With such a prominent and successful project, the Milk River Project has proven to be a symbol of limitless possibilities.
Benefits to Montana’s Economy
How the Milk River Project has been providing to Northern Montana for over 100 years.
18,000
Residents provided drinking water
1,000,000
People fed annually
140,000
Acres of irrigated lands
700+
Farms
729
River miles of wildlife habitat and recreation
Mother Nature might have been a few days late with her April Fools' joke, dropping 6 inches of wet snow, but we can't complain about the much-needed moisture in the basin. As you can see, the crews are pushing through and continuing their work despite the "white rain."
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Great news – the break tests are in, and the concrete looks solid!
With that confirmation, the forms are being removed from the St. Mary Siphon Inlet structure as Sletten Construction Company moves forward with forming the final top section. Once this phase is complete, NW Construction will begin backfilling the lower half of the structure.
Approximately 30 feet of fill will be placed alongside th ... See MoreSee Less
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Welding is a vital industry that has shaped our nation for generations. Skilled welders not only build the infrastructure we rely on every day, but they also drive economic growth and innovation.
We are incredibly grateful for the talented welders at Pro-Pipe Corporation, who has partnered with NW Construction to replace the St. Mary Siphon pipes. Their hard ... See MoreSee Less
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I couldn’t resist posting this awesome overhead update from the St. Mary Siphon Project!
The entire team has been working around the clock to get water flowing back to the Milk River as quickly as possible. It’s truly inspiring to see their dedication and teamwork on this vital project as it comes closer to completion.
: Project Completion: July 2025
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#milkriverproject #stmarysiphon #teamwork
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Happy Friday!! We've got our first big milestone checked off!
Sletten Construction Company has completed the bridge superstructure on the St Mary Siphon project. 
Meanwhile, Pro-Pipe Corporation is hard at work welding the pipe, and the cradles will soon be secured in their final resting place. With one structure down, we’re moving full steam ahead toward the inlet and outlet, where NW Constr
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Another big day yesterday at the St. Mary project—though truthfully, every day is a big one up in Babb working on this incredibly important project! Concrete trucks were running steady for a 280 cubic yard pour on the St. Mary Inlet, keeping the crews busy. Backfilling is moving full steam ahead, and the pipe yard is shrinking fast—a great sign of progress.
Pro
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#milkriverproject #stmarysiphon
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