Wildlife Crossings Program Reauthorization Act of 2025
- Bill Number
- S. 3556
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Transportation and Public Works
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-12-17: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
- Last Updated
- 2026-03-24T11:03:18Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This legislation reauthorizes and improves the wildlife crossings program under section 171 of title 23, United States Code, to support projects that reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions and enhance habitat connectivity.
Key Provisions
- Authorization of Appropriations: Provides $100,000,000 annually from the Highway Trust Fund (excluding the Mass Transit Account) for fiscal years 2027 through 2031, with funds available until expended.
- Program Amendments:
- Removes the term "pilot" from the program name and related text.
- Establishes a 90% federal share for projects benefiting small, rural, or disadvantaged communities, with a possible waiver to 100% for entities facing financial hardship.
- Allocates up to 0.5% of program funds for tribal technical assistance, including application help and reducing delays in project funding.
- Allows retention of up to 0.5% of funds for grant review, administration, and related requirements under sections 172 and 144 of title 23.
- Clerical Update: Updates the table of contents for chapter 1 of title 23 to reflect the revised program name.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Converts the program from a pilot initiative to a permanent program by removing "pilot" references.
- Introduces targeted federal cost-sharing adjustments and dedicated support mechanisms for tribes and underserved communities, which were not part of the prior structure.
- Adds explicit provisions for administrative costs and technical assistance, expanding the program's operational framework.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: Increases funding availability through the Department of Transportation for wildlife-related infrastructure projects; may require adjustments in grant management processes.
- Citizens: Could reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions in rural and disadvantaged areas, improving road safety and supporting local economies.
- International Relations: No direct effects identified, as the program focuses on domestic infrastructure and wildlife management.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Eligible entities, including states, tribes, and local governments applying for grants.
- Small, rural, and disadvantaged communities benefiting from higher federal cost shares.
- Tribal governments receiving technical assistance.
- Federal agencies involved in transportation and environmental oversight, such as the Department of Transportation.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Operates within existing highway funding authorities under title 23, with no apparent constitutional conflicts.
- Emphasizes equitable access for tribes and underserved groups, potentially aligning with broader federal policies on infrastructure equity.
- Maintains neutrality in implementation by focusing on administrative efficiencies rather than new regulatory mandates.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Sen. Alsobrooks, Angela D. [D-MD]
Cosponsors (5)
Sen. Cramer, Kevin [R-ND], Sen. Merkley, Jeff [D-OR], Sen. Curtis, John R. [R-UT], Sen. McCormick, David [R-PA], Sen. Schiff, Adam B. [D-CA]
Recent Actions
- 2025-12-17: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
- 2025-12-17: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Wildlife Crossings Program Reauthorization Act of 2025 — issued 2025-12-17 — PDF (4 pages)