The funding will support projects that reduce the risk of vehicle-wildlife collisions and improve habitat connectivity.
A ‘first-of-its-kind’ federal program aims to improve road safety and habitat connectivity for wildlife, according to a press release from the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT).
“The program, which was created through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, previewed at the White House Conservation in Action Summit last month, and will be administered by the Federal Highway Administration, makes grant funding available to states and communities to construct wildlife crossings over or below busy roads, add warning signs for drivers, acquire mapping and tracking tools, and more.”
Around 200 people and countless animals are killed in vehicle crashes every year in the United States. The program is part of the new Safe System Approach called for in the National Roadway Safety Strategy (NRSS) issued by USDOT in 2022. “The projects funded by the Wildlife Crossings pilot program will improve the overall safety of the traveling public and reduce the economic drain caused by wildlife crashes (such as loss of income, medical costs, property damage, and decline in productivity and quality of life), while simultaneously supporting species survival.”
USDOT Awards New Round of Safe Streets Grants
Over 200 cities and towns will receive $82 million for Complete Streets and other road safety planning and demonstration programs.
Wildlife Crossings as Key Infrastructure
Animal-vehicle collisions cause billions in property damage, hundreds of human deaths, and dramatic losses in animal populations every year. Monitoring migration and building for animals can make roads safer for everyone.
Why Bike Lanes Are Good: An Explainer for the US Transportation Secretary
Sean Duffy says there’s no evidence that bike lanes have benefits. Streetsblog — and federal agencies’ own data — beg to differ.
Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?
Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing
A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.
Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire
Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.
LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles
LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions