WASHINGTON, D.C. —The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee affirmed the strong and bipartisan support for strengthening fish and wildlife populations’ abilities to safely migrate and traverse roads, highways, and other built infrastructure. The National Wildlife Federation will look to the Senate to further improve the BUILD America 250 Act by increasing funding for these wildlife-friendly infrastructure programs, fully reauthorizing the Promoting Resilient Operations for Transformative, Efficient, and Cost-saving Transportation (PROTECT) Program, and restoring programs that reduce emissions and reconnect communities.

“If we’re serious about ensuring that the full diversity of America’s wildlife can endure for future generations, we need to connect habitats and help species access the food, mates, and homes they need to survive and thrive,” said Ross Griffin, associate vice president for government affairs at the National Wildlife Federation. “Thank you to the bipartisan coalition on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee for supporting the Wildlife Crossings Program; the National Culvert Removal, Replacement, and Restoration Grant Program; and the discretionary component of the Promoting Resilient Operations for Transformative, Efficient, and Cost-Saving Transportation Program. Although the BUILD America 250 Act is far from a perfect bill, the enduring support for creating more wildlife-friendly crossings, culverts, and resilient infrastructure is welcome news.”