Bill > SB5203

This bill aims to improve wildlife safety and habitat connectivity in Washington by establishing new programs and funding mechanisms to reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions and protect natural corridors. It directs the departments of Fish and Wildlife and Transportation to develop a joint strategy to implement the Washington Wildlife Habitat Connectivity Action Plan, which identifies key areas for wildlife movement. To fund these efforts, the bill creates two new accounts: the Washington Wildlife Corridors Account for land acquisition, landowner assistance, and plan updates, and the Washington Wildlife Crossings Account for the design, construction, and monitoring of wildlife crossing structures on highways. The bill also revises existing laws to include these new accounts in the distribution of investment earnings from the state treasury, ensuring dedicated funding for these wildlife initiatives.