FY 2024-2026 Wildlife Crossings Pilot Program

Background
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) is issuing a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the Fiscal Years (FY) 2024-2026 Wildlife Crossings Pilot Program (WCPP). The purpose of this NOFO is to provide grants on a competitive basis for projects that seek to achieve a reduction in the number of wildlife-vehicle collisions (WVC) and improve habitat connectivity for terrestrial and aquatic species.

Grant Details
The WCPP seeks applications from State DOTs, MPOs, units of local government, regional transportation authorities, special purpose districts, public authorities with a transportation function, Indian Tribes, and Federal Land Management Agencies (FLMAs) for non-construction and construction projects. The NOFO announces two application periods: FY 2024 and FY 2025 Funding up to $145 million and FY 2026 Funding up to $80 million. The Federal share for projects under the WCPP is 80 percent of total project costs unless an exception applies. The NOFO describes the application requirements, selection and evaluation criteria, applicable program and Federal requirements, and available technical assistance during the grant solicitation period.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible applicants include State DOTs, MPOs, units of local government, regional transportation authorities, special purpose districts or public authorities with a transportation function, Indian Tribes, or groups of these entities. Eligible projects must seek to achieve a reduction in WVCs and improve habitat connectivity for terrestrial and aquatic species. Applicants are encouraged to submit joint applications with lead applicants identified. State DOT consultation is required for all applicants other than FLMAs and State DOTs.

Period of Performance
The period of performance will begin on the date that WCPP funds are authorized in FMIS and end on the project end date in FMIS for State DOTs or pass-through entities.
For FLMA or Indian Tribe recipients, the period of performance will begin on the effective date of the grant agreement as executed by FHWA and end on the project end date listed in the grant agreement.

Grant Value
FHWA also intends to award $2,269,418 in unawarded FY 2023 funds under this NOFO. The actual amount available to be awarded under this notice will be subject to the availability of funds.

Place of Performance
Projects can be located in rural areas or urban areas as defined by FHWA Adjusted Urban Area maps.
All locations not entirely designated as urban will be considered rural.