The groundbreaking for the St. Mary Diversion Dam Rehabilitation Project
BABB, Montana – The Bureau of Reclamation, in partnership with the Blackfeet Tribe and the Milk River Joint Board of Control, broke ground today for the St. Mary Diversion Dam Rehabilitation Project. This crucial project, funded through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, marks a significant milestone in ensuring the sustainability and efficiency of water resources in the region.
The ceremony held today celebrated the collaborative effort and the shared commitment to securing water resources for future generations. Reclamation’s Deputy Commissioner Roque Sanchez expressed his gratitude for the partnership and highlighted the importance of this joint effort. "Today’s groundbreaking is a testament to the power of collaboration” Sanchez said. “By working together with the Blackfeet Tribe and the Milk River Joint Board of Control, we are not only rehabilitating a critical piece of infrastructure but also reinforcing our commitment to the communities that rely on these water resources."
The St. Mary Diversion Dam, part of the larger Milk River Project, plays a critical role in supplying water to approximately 110,000 acres of irrigated land and several communities in north-central Montana. The rehabilitation project will address structural deficiencies, improve water delivery efficiency, and enhance fish passage for the threatened bull trout, ensuring the dam meets modern safety and environmental standards.
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has provided the necessary funding to bring this project to fruition. With an investment of over $88.3 million, the St. Mary Diversion Dam Rehabilitation Project is one of the many initiatives aimed at modernizing the nation’s aging water infrastructure. This project exemplifies how federal investment can drive local improvements, benefiting both the economy and the environment.
As construction begins, the Bureau of Reclamation, Blackfeet Tribe, and Milk River Joint Board of Control remain committed to transparent communication and community engagement. Regular updates on the project's progress will be shared, and efforts will be made to minimize any potential disruptions to water delivery during the construction phase.
On June 17, another part of the project, the St. Mary Canal Siphon, experienced catastrophic failure. Reclamation authorized an emergency extraordinary maintenance determination and is working with partners on efforts to replace both the St. Mary Canal Siphon and Halls Coulee Siphon. Reclamation has secured initial federal funding to begin site remediation activities.
The St. Mary Diversion Dam Rehabilitation Project is expected to be completed by 2027, ushering in a new era of reliable and sustainable water delivery for the region.
For more information about the St. Mary Diversion Dam Rehabilitation Project, please visit Reclamation's website or contact the Bureau of Reclamation Public Affairs Office at (406) 247-7611.
