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.

Have questions about water rights or concerns about unauthorized use after the St. Mary Siphon failure?

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 Montanaโ€™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 ecosystemโ€™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 Montanaโ€™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

From Our Social Media

Comments Box SVG iconsUsed for the like, share, comment, and reaction icons
12 hours ago

Not a bad view for a workday, right?

Hereโ€™s a look from the outlet of the St. Mary Siphon Replacement Project. The west sideโ€”yep, the side that failedโ€”is now fully backfilled. Things are moving right along, and weโ€™re inching closer to turning the Milk River back on. Slow and steadyโ€ฆ with a killer view.

#milkriverproject #stmarysiphon

Project Completion: July 2025

#milkriverproject #stma
... See MoreSee Less

Not a bad view for a workday, right?

Hereโ€™s a look from the outlet of the St. Mary Siphon Replacement Project. The west sideโ€”yep, the side that failedโ€”is now fully backfilled. Things are moving right along, and weโ€™re inching closer to turning the Milk River back on. Slow and steadyโ€ฆ with a killer view.

#milkriverproject #stmarysiphon

Project Completion: July 2025

#milkriverproject #stmarysiphon

Weโ€™ve got to give a big shoutout to Mike for everything heโ€™s done for the Milk River Projectโ€”especially his work with the State Legislature and his steady guidance through some very interesting times over the past 31 years. Cheers to your well-earned retirement, Mike! Wishing you and Jeannie all the best from the MRP as you enjoy those grandkids and the adventures ahead.

#milkriverproject #montan
... See MoreSee Less

Weโ€™ve got to give a big shoutout to Mike for everything heโ€™s done for the Milk River Projectโ€”especially his work with the State Legislature and his steady guidance through some very interesting times over the past 31 years. Cheers to your well-earned retirement, Mike! Wishing you and Jeannie all the best from the MRP as you enjoy those grandkids and the adventures ahead.

#milkriverproject #montanawater #mwra

You canโ€™t blink around the St. Mary Sipon Replacement project without seeing something new take shape! ๐Ÿ‘€๐Ÿ’ฅ

In just the last week, the outlet structure on the St. Mary Siphon project has made major progress. Sletten Construction is hustling to keep things on schedule and get these critical structures ready to move water back to the Milk River.

Before long, NW Construction will have it backfilled a
... See MoreSee Less

+1
2 days ago

Happy Cinco de Miyo! ๐ŸŽ‰๐ŸŒฎ

No margaritas hereโ€”just manholes, valves, CLSM and a whole lot of stair climbing! ๐Ÿชœ๐Ÿ˜…

Someone recently asked how crews get down into the trench when thereโ€™s no bridge or walkway nearbyโ€ฆ well, here you go! Up at the St. Mary Siphon site, crews are tackling the fine details now: installing drains, manholes, valves, and all the intricate components that will get this siphon
... See MoreSee Less

+1

๐ŸŽ‰ Big congratulations to Stan Schweissing! ๐ŸŽ‰

Last night, Stan was honored with HDRโ€™s Pathfinder of Distinction awardโ€”an incredibly prestigious recognition that is both peer-nominated and peer-voted. Out of more than 13,000 HDR Engineering employees, only two individuals are selected each year for this highest honor, and Stan earned his spot among them!

Stan has been part of the Milk River Projec
... See MoreSee Less

+2

๐ŸŒŠ April is Low Head Dam Public Safety Awareness Month ๐ŸŒŠ
As we near the end of April, declared Low Head Dam Public Safety Awareness Month by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), let's take a moment to recognize the importance of water safety at our local Vandalia Dam. While much attention is often given to larger structures like the Fort Peck Dam, understanding the risks associated wit
... See MoreSee Less

Load more

Milk River Project Partners