Big Win for Wildlife Crossings in Virginia

Big Win for Wildlife Crossings in Virginia!

$450,000 in state funding for wildlife crossing projects has officially made it into Virginia’s final budget!

This is a major victory. Thanks to the steadfast leadership of our bill sponsor, Senator David Marsden, and the tireless advocacy of a diverse coalition of supporters, the funding made it over the finish line. We’re incredibly grateful for Senator Marsden’s commitment and all the voices who helped make this happen.

What Is the Funding For?

This money will go directly toward the design and construction of wildlife crossings, targeting the areas where they’ll have the biggest impact in reducing wildlife-vehicle collisions. Specifically, the budget language directs these funds “to implement wildlife crossing projects with the best likelihood of reducing wildlife and vehicle collisions, as determined by the hot spot analysis in the Commonwealth's Wildlife Corridor Action Plan.”

That Action Plan exists thanks to legislation that Wildlands Network played a lead role in passing. It requires state agencies to identify and map the places where wildlife and drivers most often collide and to highlight where crossing infrastructure will do the most good. The new state funding is a direct outcome of that plan and of years of persistent advocacy and partnership.

Why It Matters

Wildlife-vehicle collisions in Virginia are not only tragic for animals, they’re dangerous and costly for people, too. Virginia sees over 60,000 of these crashes every year, at an average cost of $41,000 per incident. Solutions like fencing combined with underpasses or culverts can reduce crashes by up to 96%.

This $450,000 can be used to unlock grants with matching fund requirements, and puts Virginia on track to bring in more funding for wildlife and driver safety.

What’s Next?

In the coming weeks, we’ll be working closely with state agencies and partner organizations to identify which high-priority projects are ready to move forward. This win is just one step, but it’s a crucial one toward making Virginia’s roads safer for people and animals alike.

We’re proud to be building on years of momentum and laying the groundwork for even bigger wins ahead.

Photo Credit:  Lori A Cash Photography, LLC