Bill > HR6078

This bill reauthorizes and expands the Wildlife Road Crossings Program originally established in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The legislation removes the term "pilot" from the program, indicating it is now a permanent initiative, and authorizes $200,000,000 in funding for each fiscal year from 2026 through 2031. The bill introduces several key improvements, including a 100% federal cost share for grants submitted by Indian Tribes, which reduces financial barriers to participation. It also allows the Secretary of Transportation to use up to 0.5% of program funds to provide technical assistance to tribal entities, helping them more efficiently access and implement wildlife crossing projects. Additionally, the bill permits the Secretary to retain up to 0.5% of program funds for grant review, administration, and related requirements. An important provision allows any unobligated funds from the program in a given fiscal year to remain available and be carried forward, ensuring that unused resources can still support wildlife crossing infrastructure in subsequent years. The overall goal of the program is to create safer passages for wildlife across roadways, reducing animal-vehicle collisions and protecting both animal populations and human drivers.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/6078/all-info