Wildlife Road Crossing Program Reauthorization Act of 2025
- Bill Number
- S. 3503
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Transportation and Public Works
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-12-16: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
- Last Updated
- 2026-01-29T12:03:18Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose This legislation reauthorizes and expands the wildlife crossings program under section 171 of title 23, United States Code, to reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions and improve habitat connectivity.
Key Provisions
- Authorizes $200,000,000 annually from the Highway Trust Fund (excluding the Mass Transit Account) for fiscal years 2027 through 2031, with funds available until expended.
- Removes the term “pilot” from the program name and related references.
- Establishes a 100 percent federal cost share for projects awarded to Indian tribes.
- Allocates up to 0.5 percent of program funds each year for tribal technical assistance, including application support and expedited obligation of funds.
- Permits the Secretary to retain up to 0.5 percent of annual funds for grant review, administration, and related requirements under sections 172 and 144 of title 23.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Converts the existing pilot program into a permanent program by striking “pilot” references.
- Introduces dedicated tribal set-asides for full federal funding and technical assistance, which were not previously specified.
- Adds explicit grant administration authority for the Secretary.
Potential Impacts
- Increases dedicated federal funding for wildlife crossing infrastructure over a five-year period.
- May accelerate project delivery for tribal governments through targeted assistance.
- Supports state and local transportation agencies in planning and constructing wildlife crossings using Highway Trust Fund resources.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- State departments of transportation and local governments applying for grants.
- Indian tribes eligible for 100 percent federal share and technical assistance.
- Federal agencies responsible for program administration, including the Department of Transportation.
- Wildlife management agencies and conservation organizations involved in project planning.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Relies on Highway Trust Fund authority, consistent with existing surface transportation funding mechanisms.
- Provides special treatment for tribal entities that aligns with federal trust responsibilities without altering broader constitutional allocations of highway funds.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (3)
Sen. Sheehy, Tim [R-MT], Sen. Tillis, Thomas [R-NC], Sen. Coons, Christopher A. [D-DE]
Recent Actions
- 2025-12-16: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
- 2025-12-16: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Wildlife Road Crossing Program Reauthorization Act of 2025 — issued 2025-12-16 — PDF (4 pages)