State summaries: 2022 legislation passed to build wildlife crossings
Over the past six months, seven states have enacted laws that set aside the required state match to federal grants for infrastructure projects that reconnect habitat. Many of these state policies also facilitate coordination between transportation and natural resource agencies—as well as collaboration with diverse stakeholders—to identify projects that will most effectively reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions and improve habitat connectivity.
Since becoming law last November, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has spurred an unprecedented flurry of activity to advance transportation projects that not only address the needs of drivers, but also the needs of wildlife. The legislation established the nation’s first-ever dedicated funding for infrastructure projects that allow fish and wildlife to safely cross over or under roads. This new “Wildlife Crossings Pilot Program” will distribute $350 million in grants over the next five years to state, local, tribal, and regional agencies to build structures that reconnect aquatic and terrestrial habitat while reducing wildlife-vehicle collisions. The new law also makes these projects eligible for funding under additional federal transportation programs, unlocking many additional billions of dollars.
