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.
Judge Blocks Anti-DEI Rules for Transportation, Housing Grants
A second injunction blocks the Trump administration from enforcing new regulations for federal funding.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
San Francisco's School District Spent $105M To Build Affordable Housing for Teachers — And That's Just the Beginning
SFUSD joins a growing list of school districts using their land holdings to address housing affordability challenges faced by their own employees.
The Tiny, Adorable $7,000 Car Turning Japan Onto EVs
The single seat Mibot charges from a regular plug as quickly as an iPad, and is about half the price of an average EV.
Seattle's Plan for Adopting Driverless Cars
Equity, safety, accessibility and affordability are front of mind as the city prepares for robotaxis and other autonomous vehicles.
As Trump Phases Out FEMA, Is It Time to Flee the Floodplains?
With less federal funding available for disaster relief efforts, the need to relocate at-risk communities is more urgent than ever.
With Protected Lanes, 460% More People Commute by Bike
For those needing more ammo, more data proving what we already knew is here.
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.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)