$110 Million in Grants for Wildlife Crossing Projects Announced

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) announced $110 million in grants for 19 wildlife crossing projects in 17 states, including four Native American Tribes. This funding, made possible by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), supports the construction of wildlife crossings, fencing, tracking tools, and more. Over five years, BIL allocates $350 million under the Wildlife Crossings Pilot Program.

Addressing Wildlife-Vehicle Collisions

Each year, wildlife-vehicle collisions in the U.S. result in about 200 human fatalities and 26,000 injuries, costing the public over $10 billion. These costs include medical expenses, property damage, and loss of income.

Federal Initiative for Roadway Safety

U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg highlighted the importance of these investments.

“Every year, too many Americans are injured or killed in crashes involving cars and wildlife, especially in rural areas – but President Biden is tackling this challenge through these first-ever roadway safety grants,” Buttigieg said. “The projects we’re funding today in 17 states will reduce collisions between drivers and wildlife and save American lives.”

Federal Highway Administrator Shailen Bhatt added, “These roadway safety investments will ensure that motorists and wildlife get to their destinations safely and are a win-win for safety and the environment.”

Selected Projects

The Federal Highway Administration has allocated significant funds to various states for wildlife crossing projects aimed at reducing vehicle collisions and enhancing habitat connectivity. The Arizona Department of Transportation received $24 million for the I-17 Munds Park to Kelly Canyon Wildlife Overpass Project, which includes nearly 17 miles of new wildlife fencing. The Wyoming Department of Transportation was granted $24.4 million to build an overpass, several underpasses, and high-barrier wildlife fencing along 30 miles of US 189 in southwest Wyoming. Colorado's Department of Transportation was awarded $22 million for the Greenland Wildlife Overpass on I-25 between Denver and Colorado Springs, designed to reduce collisions with elk and mule deer. Additional recipients also included the Stillaguamish Tribe in Washington State, the California Department of Transportation, and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Enhancing Safety and Connectivity

The Wildlife Crossings Pilot Program supports the Department of Transportation’s National Roadway Safety Strategy (NRSS), which aims for zero roadway deaths and serious injuries through a Safe System Approach. Projects funded by this program not only reduce wildlife collisions and their economic impacts but also improve habitat connectivity, enhancing the environment and overall public safety.