The Biden administration has announced a significant investment of $110 million to improve wildlife road crossings across the United States. This initiative, aimed at reducing deadly crashes involving animals and cars, is a part of the new Wildlife Crossings Pilot Program under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The funding will support 19 wildlife crossing projects across 17 states, including four Indian Tribes, highlighting a concerted effort to enhance road safety for both wildlife and motorists.
By Julian James
Enhancing Roadway Safety and Wildlife Protection
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) will allocate the funds to projects that construct wildlife crossings near busy roads, add fencing, and utilize tracking and mapping tools. This initiative addresses the alarming statistics of over one million collisions involving large animals and vehicles annually, resulting in approximately 200 human deaths and 26,000 injuries each year. The program aims to create safer passages for wildlife, thereby reducing the risk of accidents and fatalities.
Diverse Projects Across Multiple States
The funding will support various projects, including the Kelly Canyon Wildlife Overpass Project in Arizona, which receives $24 million for constructing nearly 17 miles of fencing and other safety measures along Interstate 17. Wyoming will benefit from $24.4 million to build overpasses, underpasses, and fencing along 30 miles of a rural highway. Other states like Colorado, California, and Pennsylvania will also receive funding to protect multiple animal species and prevent vehicle collisions.
Impact on Rural and Urban Ecosystems
The Wildlife Crossings Pilot Program is not only a win for roadway safety but also for environmental conservation. By facilitating the safe movement of wildlife across habitats intersected by roads, the program contributes to the preservation of biodiversity. The Stillaguamish Tribe in Washington State, for instance, will receive $8.5 million to build a wildlife overpass on a rural highway in Skagit County, demonstrating the program’s reach and impact on diverse ecosystems.
The $110 million investment in the Wildlife Crossings Pilot Program marks a significant step towards enhancing road safety and protecting wildlife in the United States. This initiative reflects a growing recognition of the need to harmonize infrastructure development with environmental conservation. As these projects unfold, they promise to reduce the number of collisions between motorists and wildlife, ensuring safer travel for all and preserving the natural habitats that are vital to our ecosystem.