Enhancing Road Safety and Wildlife Connectivity: $125 Million in Federal Grants

Introduction to the Wildlife Crossings Pilot Program

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has announced a significant initiative aimed at improving safety for both motorists and wildlife. With $125 million allocated to 16 wildlife crossing projects across 16 states and one Native American tribe, this effort seeks to mitigate the dangers of wildlife-vehicle collisions.

Objectives of the Funding

The primary goal of the Wildlife Crossings Pilot Program is to enhance habitat connectivity while ensuring the safety of road users. Every year, wildlife-vehicle collisions impact countless motorists, resulting in approximately 200 fatalities and over 26,000 injuries. The funding not only supports the construction of wildlife crossings—both overpasses and underpasses—but also includes the development of fencing that guides animals safely to these designated crossing points.

Examples of Funded Projects

Several projects have been earmarked for funding that exemplify the program's mission. For instance, Oregon will receive $33.2 million for a wildlife overpass along Interstate 5, while North Carolina has been awarded $25 million for underpass structures and accompanying fencing along US-64. Other notable projects include nearly $21 million for underpasses in Idaho and $16.8 million for multiple crossings in Nevada. These developments will significantly reduce the economic impact associated with wildlife collisions, which costs the U.S. over $10 billion annually.

The FHWA is committed to enhancing the National Roadway Safety Strategy (NRSS), and this wildlife crossings initiative is a crucial step towards achieving that goal. By focusing on safety and ecological integrity, these projects are expected to deliver long-lasting benefits for both wildlife and humans alike.