Huge News for the Hi Line, St. Mary Siphon Repairs Are Complete

We wanted to add one other important update to our story about the water flowing once again out of the St. Mary Siphon near Babb, Montana- the incredible engineering feat that was accomplished...and ahead of schedule at that.

Here's what Jennifer Patrick tells us about the great work done by the Montana engineering firm HDR.

Jennifer Patrick: "HDR Engineering’s vision and expertise turned this complex project into a reality. Along with the talented crews onsite, they were the backbone of the St. Mary Siphon’s success, guiding every step with innovation and commitment."

Credit Jennifer Patrick

*Original article first published 6/25/25, Wednesday afternoon

It may be too late for too many this growing season, but the water is flowing once again for the lifeline of Montana's Hi Line. The US Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) sent out the good news Wednesday afternoon: St. Mary Siphon Repairs Complete

Water deliveries are now resuming for the Milk River. As the BOR notes, "completing the St. Mary Siphon is the first step to restoring critical water supply to more than 110,000 acres of farmland and multiple municipalities across north-central Montana."

The last time Ryan Newman, Montana Area Office Manager for the BOR, joined us in our Montana Talks statewide radio show studios- I was pleased to hear that this project would be completed as early as the end of June, especially considering some of the earlier estimates.

Ryan Newman: "Getting this siphon back online within a year is a remarkable accomplishment and a reflection of our commitment to the people who rely on this water every day. Reclamation, working shoulder to shoulder with the Joint Board, the Blackfeet Nation, and the State of Montana, ensured this project remained on track under extraordinary circumstances."

Acting Reclamation Commissioner David Palumbo: "The completion of this replacement project underscores Reclamation's mission to reliably deliver water and meet our obligations to western communities. Our success here is the result of strong collaboration with local, Tribal, and state partners, and it reinforces our ongoing investment in resilient infrastructure."

Project Manager for the Milk River Joint Board of Control Jennifer Patrick: "This milestone wouldn't have been possible without the exceptional work of our contractors—NW Construction, Sletten Construction, and Pro-Pipe—and the critical support provided by the Blackfeet Tribal Employment Rights Office. These crews worked tirelessly under intense pressure and challenging conditions to get water flowing again. Their commitment to quality, safety, and collaboration made all the difference for the Milk River Project and the communities that depend on it.”

*Addition to post following original story:

Senator Steve Daines (R-MT) released the below statement thanking Secretary Doug Burgum and the Bureau of Reclamation for their work to repair the critical St. Mary Siphon.

“The St Mary Siphon provides vital water to Montana communities along the Hi-Line, and the failures last summer were catastrophic. I’m beyond thrilled to hear that Reclamation has completed repairs on the siphons and is resuming operations on the Milk River Project,” said Daines.

The siphon failed back on June 17th of last year.

Here's more from the BOR press release:

"The new siphon system replaces the early-20th-century infrastructure with modernized steel piping and reinforced concrete structures. It is designed to address the historic issues of seepage, corrosion, and instability caused by landslides. With the system again operational, water is moving through the canal to support agricultural operations, municipal systems, and tribal water uses.

Following the completion of the St. Mary Siphon, construction crews have mobilized approximately six miles downstream to begin work on replacing the Halls Coulee Siphon. This next phase of the project can proceed while the St. Mary system is operational, ensuring continued water delivery during a portion of the construction period. The Halls Coulee replacement will build on the same modern design standards, further strengthening the reliability of the entire St. Mary Canal system for future generations.

The Milk River Project, a trans-basin diversion from the St. Mary River to the Missouri River watershed, provides 60% to 80% of the water used annually in the region. Reclamation will continue monitoring canal flows and infrastructure performance and coordinating closely with stakeholders to ensure operational stability through the 2025 irrigation season and beyond."

Summer Vacation in the '70s and '80s: These Nostalgic Photos Say It All

Take a trip back to summer in the ’70s and ’80s — when Ring Pops ruled, bikes meant freedom, and Press Your Luck kicked off the day. These photos hit all the nostalgic notes.

Gallery Credit: Stephen Lenz

Source: Huge News for the Hi Line, St. Mary Siphon Repairs Are Complete

Filed Under: milk river, hi line, Newsletter, Social Post

Categories: Politics, Agriculture, Montana Talks