Virginia Takes a Major Step Toward Safer Roads and Thriving Wildlife
Exciting news! HB597, the Wildlife Corridor Grant Fund, has just passed both the Virginia House and Senate and is now headed to the Governor’s desk. This landmark bill will give Virginia the tools it needs to turn wildlife corridor planning into action.
Every year, Virginia sees around 60,000 wildlife-vehicle collisions, costing the state over $533 million and putting both drivers and wildlife at risk. Properly designed wildlife crossings can reduce these crashes by up to 96%, and HB597 is the path forward to make that happen.
The bill allows Virginians to voluntarily contribute to a fund that will:
Reduce collisions and save lives by supporting crossing projects that keep people and wildlife safe.
Protect communities and infrastructure by improving culverts, flood resilience, and road durability.
Deliver long-term ecological and economic benefits by supporting healthier ecosystems, connected habitats, and safer roads.
What makes this fund unique is that it helps the state leverage federal grants and other funding opportunities, multiplying the impact of every dollar donated, all without touching the state’s general fund or raising taxes.
HB597 is backed by a wide coalition of conservation organizations, including Wildlands Network, Wild Virginia, Environment Virginia, Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, and over 30 others. These groups see it as a critical step in implementing Virginia’s Wildlife Corridor Action Plan, protecting species, and making daily commutes safer.
From protecting deer, bears, and even fish, to reducing injuries and expensive road repairs, HB597 is a win-win for Virginians and wildlife alike. With the Governor’s approval, Virginia will be ready to build the crossings its roads and its wildlife need.
