“A bill to reauthorize and improve the wildlife crossings program, and for other purposes.”
No CRS summary available for this bill.
This section authorizes $200 million annually for FY2027 through FY2031 from the Highway Trust Fund (other than the Mass Transit Account) for the wildlife crossings program under 23 U.S.C. 171, with funds available until expended. The section converts the existing competitive wildlife crossings pilot program—which provides grants to state and local governments, tribes, and others for projects to reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions (estimated at over 1 million annually, costing $8.4 billion, and endangering humans and species) and improve habitat connectivity for terrestrial and aquatic species—into a permanent program by striking all references to "pilot" in the section heading and text and making conforming clerical amendments; and adds the following provisions: (1) a 100% federal share for grants to Indian tribes; (2) tribal technical assistance using up to 0.5% of annual funds to aid tribes with applications, technical support, and expedited funding; and (3) Secretary retention of up to 0.5% of annual funds for grant review, administration, and compliance with related requirements. (Thus, up to 1% of funds may support tribal assistance and program administration, leaving at least 99% for grants.)