Grants available to reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions, connect habitats

A new, federal Wildlife Crossings Pilot Program will provide up to $112 million in competitive grant funding for projects intended to reduce the number of wildlife-vehicle collisions and improve habitat connectivity for terrestrial and aquatic species.

Program goals — to save lives, prevent serious injuries, and protect motorists and wildlife — will be the primary criteria during application review.

Funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and administered by the Federal Highway Administration, the Wildlife Crossings Pilot Program will accept applications from state departments of transportation, metropolitan planning organizations, local governments, regional transit authorities, special purpose districts, tribal governments, federal land management agencies, and groups of eligible applicants.

The Highway Administration anticipates awarding between 15 and 20 grants ranging from $200,000 to $20 million, though there are no established maximum or minimum award limits. At least 60% of projects funded will be located in rural areas. All locations not designated as an FHWA Adjusted Urban Area are considered rural.

Grants must be submitted by Aug. 1 through grants.gov.

Additional information, including webinar recordings, are available on the grant information page. The notice of funding opportunity is available online. Questions may be sent to wildlifecrossings@dot.gov.