April 5, 2023 - WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Transportation on Tuesday formally launched the first round of their Wildlife Crossings Pilot Program, which will invest $350 million over the next four years to make roadways safer for motorist and wildlife, including on lands within and near national parks. The investment is a result of the passage of the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021, a $1.2 trillion package to significantly improve America’s infrastructure, including transportation and water systems.
The Wildlife Crossing Pilot Program funds will be competitively awarded to state, regional, Tribal, and federal agencies, including the National Park Service, to support wildlife-vehicle collision reductions and improve habitat connectivity for fish and wildlife populations.
Each year an estimated 1-2 million collisions with large species results in close to 30,000 human injuries and hundreds of fatalities. Beyond devastating, these accidents add up to $8 billion in costs to Americans.
Statement by Bart Melton, Wildlife Program Senior Director for the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA):
“This landmark investment opens new opportunities for wildlife, park visitors, and communities to co-exist and thrive. The funding will foster local, state, Tribal and federal collaboration while advancing innovative projects that benefit our communities, parks, fish, and wildlife.
Source: NPCA
