First Round of Milk River Project Funding Provided

HAVRE, Mont. (NMB) – The Bureau of Reclamation has announced that $2.5 million is being provided to the Milk River project for planning and project design in 2022.

The funds come from the bipartisan Infrastructure bill that was passed last year, which includes an allocation of up to $100 million for the project that provides water to much of the Hi-Line.

The majority of the funds are expected to be used to rehabilitate the Diversion Dam at the head of the St. Mary’s Works System, with the remaining funds potentially going towards siphons.

In a press release, U.S. Senator Jon Tester, one of the lead negotiators of the bill, said this funding will provide upgrades that have been critically needed for decades.

The St. Mary’s Rehabilitation Working Group is expected to meet later this week. Included on their agenda is an update on the Ability to Pay Study for the project, Congressional staff updates, updates from agencies such as the BOR and DNRC, and discussion of Tribal water compacts.