March 2025
Kinsey Irrigation District- Muster Creek Siphon on the Lower Canal rehab. The project is to pull a resin impregnated Cure In Place Pipe (CIPP) liner through the existing pipe, then expand and cure it using steam. Once cured the liner pipe is structural and the host pipe is no longer needed, should it rot away. The total project cost is $373,646.00. Instuiform has been contracted as the installed for the project. KID has been working with the Custer County Conservation District, MT Department of Natural Resources, and Custer County for engineering and replacement costs.
In 2022, Custer County offered ARPA assistance of $150,000 to partner with KID to get the aging siphon replaced. Kinsey Irrigation became an official District, recognized by the State on December 7, 2020. Becoming a District had many benefits, one such was now being eligible to partner with Custer County for Federal infrastructure improvement funds.
The siphon is the original redwood pipe installed between 1938- 1940, measuring approximately five foot in diameter. The siphon travels under Muster Creek for 81 feet. 2200 acres of irrigated crop below this siphon are at jeopardy should it fail.
The Kinsey Irrigation District provides economic benefits to Custer County and the state of Montana. Kinsey feeds over 30,000 head of cattle every winter. 43% of those feed needs come from irrigated crops grown in Kinsey with a value of $9.3 m according to Dr. George Haynes, Agricultural Policy Specialist at MSU. Income generated by cattle grown in Kinsey and the jobs required, further contribute to the County and State’s economy.