Summary#
This bill reauthorizes and changes the federal wildlife crossings program in title 23, section 171. It authorizes $100,000,000 each year for fiscal years 2027 through 2031 from the Highway Trust Fund (not the Mass Transit Account). The money is available until spent. The bill removes the word "pilot" from the program and adds new rules: a higher federal share (usually 90%) for projects that benefit small, rural, or disadvantaged communities, with the Secretary able to raise the federal share to 100% in cases of financial hardship; authority to use up to 0.5% of yearly program funds for tribal technical assistance to help eligible tribal entities apply for and start projects more quickly; and authority for the Secretary to keep up to 0.5% of yearly program funds for grant review and administration. It also makes clerical updates to the code section heading.
What it means for you#
- If you are part of a small, rural, or disadvantaged community, grants under this program can cover 90% of project costs, and possibly 100% if the Secretary finds you cannot pay the rest.
- Tribal entities eligible under subsection (c)(6) may get more application and technical help to access program funds faster.
- Transportation agencies and grant applicants can expect the program to continue with permanent (not pilot) status and ongoing funding through 2031.
Expenses#
- Authorizes $100,000,000 per year for fiscal years 2027–2031, to be paid from the Highway Trust Fund (other than the Mass Transit Account).
- Up to 0.5% of the program funds each year may be used for tribal technical assistance.
- Up to 0.5% of the program funds each year may be retained for grant administration by the Secretary.
- No publicly available information on total program cost beyond these authorizations.
Proponents' View#
No publicly available information.
Opponents' View#
No publicly available information.