Buttigieg's Wildlife Collision Plan Gains Traction

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The United States faces a critical issue as one million wild animals are fatally struck on its roads daily, posing threats to biodiversity, habitats, and human safety. Acknowledging this, Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg unveils a groundbreaking initiative under the Biden administration. With a commitment of $350 million over five years from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Wildlife Crossings Pilot Program aims to address the alarming statistics of wildlife-vehicle collisions (WVCs).

WVCs not only claim the lives of a staggering 200 people annually but also result in injuries to 26,000 individuals, imposing a significant economic burden of $10 billion on American drivers. The program, funded by $110 million in grants, kickstarts with 19 projects across 17 states and four Indian Tribes, emphasizing the urgency of creating safe passages for wildlife. One notable project focuses on constructing a wildlife crossing in northwest Montana, facilitating the movement of endangered grizzly bears across Highway 93 within the Ninepipe National Wildlife Management Area.

The Wildlife Crossings Pilot Program aligns with Secretary Buttigieg's broader National Roadway Safety Strategy, aiming for zero road deaths. Studies show that areas equipped with wildlife crossings witness up to a 97 percent reduction in WVCs, underscoring the effectiveness of such initiatives. Buttigieg emphasizes the program's dual benefits, mitigating ecological harm and enhancing human safety.

Among the funded projects, a significant highlight is the Greenland Wildlife Overpass on Interstate 25 in Colorado, set to be one of the world's largest wildlife overpasses. Spanning six lanes, this overpass will safeguard migrating mule deer and elk between the Rocky Mountains and Great Plains. The program covers 80 percent or more of the funding for these projects, fostering collaboration between federal, state, and local entities.

Secretary Buttigieg envisions the Wildlife Crossings Pilot Program as a model for harmonizing major infrastructure projects with wildlife conservation, urging states to invest in designs that prevent ecological disruptions. By investing in such programs, the Biden administration aims to address the $10 billion in annual damages caused by WVCs effectively.

Beyond the immediate impact on wildlife and road safety, Buttigieg sees this initiative as a broader strategy for future infrastructure projects, demonstrating a commitment to sustainable and wildlife-friendly designs. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, a cornerstone of the Biden administration, invests $1.2 trillion in modernizing the nation's infrastructure, creating jobs, and catalyzing private sector investments in clean energy and manufacturing.

As Buttigieg concludes, each funding round signifies not just a remedy for past oversights but a blueprint for a future that avoids repeating the mistakes of the past. The Wildlife Crossings Pilot Program exemplifies a forward-looking approach to infrastructure development, marrying progress with environmental responsibility.

Jan. 10, 2024 5:30 a.m. 5691

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