Traffic detours
Traffic detours will help maintain access during construction.
Projects · Current
Jocko Pipelines
Converting aging open canals to buried pipelines to improve water delivery efficiency, reduce water loss, and modernize irrigation infrastructure.
Project Overview
From open canal to pressurized, buried pipe
The Jocko Service Area of the Flathead Indian Irrigation Project has been identified as a high-priority target for rehabilitation, betterment and modernization as it relates to water delivery efficiencies. The Jocko K Canal irrigation service area will be rehabilitated with a delivery network of pressurized, buried pipe. Pressurized pipe operates by completely filling the pipe with water, allowing the pipe to pressurize by the effect of gravity.
A Master Plan for the area was developed as a collaborative effort between the engineering services of Morrison-Maierle, CSKT, and FIIP staff. The conceptual design is split into six phases over the next few years that will involve 17.7 miles of pipeline. Some of the challenges in the Jocko service area include canals overgrown with vegetation, high seepage, due to the character of underlying soils, and flow control structures.
17.7
miles of pipeline
6
construction phases
2025-2027
construction
Workflow Timeline
Where each phase stands
Design: 2022-2023 · Construction: 2025-2027
Design: 2022-2023
- Design Consultant: Morrison-Maierle, Inc.
- Master Plan developed with CSKT and FIIP staff
Phases 1 & 2
- Contractor: Prospect Construction
- Project is under construction. Substantial completion due April 2026.
Phases 3 & 4
- Contractor: Knife River Corp
- Project is under construction. Substantial completion due April 2026.
Phases 5 & 6
- Bidding anticipated February 2026.
- Status: AWARDED — Contract Awarded: Knife River. Anticipated to begin following the 2026 irrigation season.
Where
Roads affected by construction
Construction will occur east of Highway 93 between Oliver Thomas Lane and Sodfarm Road. Please expect construction vehicles and occasional traffic interruption on the following roads:
- Oliver Thomas Lane
- Theresa Adams Lane
- McLeod Road
- Dumontier Road
- White Coyote Road
- Martz Drive
- Scotch Pine Lane
- Lost Horse Lane
What to Expect
During construction
Local access
Local access will remain open.
Marked and secured
Construction zones will be clearly marked and secured for safety.
Irrigation continues
Irrigation services will not be disrupted.
Project Team
Who is building it
CSKT
BIA – FIIP
Design Consultant: Morrison-Maierle, Inc.
Contractors: Prospect Construction (Phase 1 & 2), Knife River Corp (Phase 3 & 4)
Documents
Project documents
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Explore the project on the map
Click Here to View an Interactive StoryMap about the Jocko Pipelines Project.