Existing federal law establishes a wildlife-crossing safety program to provide grants of money to states for projects that seek to reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions and improve wildlife habitat connectivity. (23 U.S.C. § 171) Section 1.5 of this bill defines the term “wildlife” for the purposes of this bill. Section 2 of this bill creates the Wildlife Crossings Account in the State General Fund, which is administered by the Director of the Department of Transportation. Section 2 requires the Department of Transportation to consult with the Department of Wildlife to identify locations and strategies relating to wildlife crossings and prioritize certain areas to fund projects relating to wildlife crossings.
Section 3 of this bill requires the Department of Transportation, in consultation with the Department of Wildlife, to develop, publish and update an inventory of connectivity needs on the state highway system where the implementation of wildlife crossings and other related highway features will improve permeability for wildlife, reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions or enhance wildlife activity.
Section 4 of this bill requires the Director of the Department of Transportation to review the standards and specifications for the design and construction of highways in this State to determine standards and specifications necessary to incorporate wildlife crossings and other related highway features into the highways in this State.
Section 4.5 of this bill requires the Department of Transportation and the Department of Wildlife to consult with holders of grazing permits and private landowners adjacent to any potential locations for wildlife crossings and related highway features.
Section 5 of this bill authorizes the Director of the Department of Transportation to adopt regulations to carry out the provisions of this bill.
Section 6 of this bill makes an appropriation to the Wildlife Crossings Account to implement projects relating to wildlife crossings and other highway features to improve permeability for wildlife.