Utah Governor Signs Budget Designating Annual Funding for Wildlife Crossings

On March 21, 2024, Utah Governor Spencer Cox (R) wrapped up the bill-signing period following the 2024 general legislative session. Included in the 555 bills signed into law was a budget item dedicating long-term funding for wildlife crossings—the first such ongoing funding in U.S. history. Leaders from both parties, including Utah Speaker of the House Mike Schultz (R) and Representative Doug Owens (D), have worked together in recent years to direct state funding toward reducing wildlife-vehicle collisions by constructing infrastructure that provides safe passage for migrating wildlife. 

In 2023, the Utah Legislature dedicated $20 million to a fund for wildlife crossings, which federal grant programs will match with a four- or five-fold amount. This year, recognizing that long-term funding certainty can benefit the design and implementation of these large multiyear projects, the Legislature made its funding commitment a reoccurring component of the state’s budget.

Nic Callero, a senior officer with The Pew Charitable Trusts’ U.S. conservation project, worked with lawmakers and the governor’s office to secure the budget commitment. He issued this statement:

“Utah continues to prove itself to be a national leader in planning and funding wildlife-friendly transportation infrastructure that advances driver safety and wildlife conservation throughout the state. These ongoing funding commitments will continue to attract significant federal resources to the state and also set an important precedent for other states to follow.”