Establish FWP wildlife highway crossings and accommodation account
If passed, HB 855 will create a dedicated state special revenue account to fund various projects aimed at designing, constructing, and maintaining wildlife crossings. It will allow for matching federal funds and set forth statutory appropriations that will enable the Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks to have access to essential financial resources without needing regular legislative approval. This change not only offers a streamlined funding process but also emphasizes the state’s commitment towards sustainable wildlife management and road safety.
House Bill 855, introduced by K. Zolnikov, aims to improve wildlife crossings in Montana to reduce the number of wildlife-vehicle collisions. The legislation addresses the alarming statistic that Montana has the second highest rate of wildlife-vehicle collisions in the country, with a significant number of yearly incidents causing loss of life and economic costs associated with these accidents. The bill proposes the establishment of funding mechanisms, including a specialized license plate program, to support the implementation of wildlife crossing projects that could take the form of underpasses, overpasses, or other accommodations designed to enhance wildlife safety on roads.
The sentiment surrounding HB 855 appears largely positive, with a considerable amount of public support reflected in a recent survey where around 77% of Montanans expressed approval for additional funding for wildlife crossings. The approach of increasing accommodations for wildlife reflects a growing recognition of the interconnectedness of human and animal safety, alongside the potential benefits to local economies that wildlife-related tourism could entail. However, as with any significant legislative initiative, there may be concerns regarding funding allocations and project efficacy.
Notable points of contention surrounding the bill could revolve around the funding mechanisms proposed, particularly whether the $20 donations associated with the specialty license plates will be sufficient to cover the anticipated costs of the projects. Additionally, there may be debate regarding the effectiveness of wildlife crossings in reducing vehicle collisions, how the funds will be managed, and ensuring accountability in the utilization of public funds towards infrastructure improvements. Stakeholders might raise questions regarding the prioritization of specific projects and the ecological implications of large-scale road construction.