Federal Government Announces New Wildlife Crossing Funding

Wildlife Crossing Pilot Program (WCPP)

On December 5, the Federal Highway Administration announced the 19 projects receiving funding from the FY22-FY23 Wildlife Crossing Pilot Program, totaling $110 million across 17 states. State legislators’ help in providing matching funds and enabling coordination between state agencies, Tribes, and other partners played a big part in getting projects off the ground.

Here are a few highlights:

• $22 million for the Colorado Department of Transportation to construct a wildlife overpass for elk on a stretch of I-25 traveled by over 75,000 vehicles per day
• $1.7 million for several wildlife underpasses in Texas designed to enable safe crossings for ocelots, an endangered feline species 
• $840,000 for Pennsylvania agencies to develop a comprehensive strategic plan addressing challenges and opportunities associated with wildlife crossings in the state
• $8.6 million for the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes to construct a wildlife overpass spanning US Highway 93 in Montana of importance for grizzly bears

The next notice of funding for the FY23-FY24 WCPP funding is coming soon in the spring of 2024.

Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE)

The notice of funding for the $1.5 Billion 2024 RAISE Grant program is open with applications due on February 28. The RAISE Grants invest in surface transportation projects with significant local or regional impact that improve safety, economic strength, global competitiveness, equity, climate, and sustainability. 

Several 2023 RAISE Grants supported projects addressing habitat connectivity and wildlife-vehicle collisions, including:

• $20m for a road reconstruction project in the Navajo Nation with culvert improvements and other wildlife passage infrastructure
• $10m to fund planning and design of roadway improvements in Kupreanof Island, Alaska including 40 culvert replacements to improve the passage of aquatic species
• $19m for a road improvement project near Anaconda, Montana including improved wildlife crossing signage and culvert replacement to support native fish passage

Eligible applicants include states, territories, local governments, public agencies, Tribes, transit agencies, or groups of eligible entities. Reach out to NCEL’s Wildlife and Habitat Coordinator, Logan Christian, with questions or contact RAISEgrants@dot.gov.