Pew Applauds Arizona Governor, Legislature for Funding Wildlife Crossings
Fiscal 2027 budget provides initial investments to make roads safer, wildlife healthier across the state
WASHINGTON—The Pew Charitable Trusts applauds Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs, her office, and the bipartisan group of state legislators who passed the fiscal year 2027 state budget, which includes dedicated funding for planning and constructing proven solutions that reduce collisions with wildlife. The budget expands a special line item, previously reserved for cattle guards, that will now cover wildlife crossings and has a recurring annual appropriation of $700,000.
In Arizona, wildlife-vehicle collisions undermine public safety at a significant economic cost, especially where highways cut through key wildlife migration routes. An average of 1,270 reported wildlife-vehicle collisions occur each year in the state, with rural counties such as Coconino accounting for 30% of the crashes. These collisions can cause serious injuries or fatalities, and risks are heightened at night and during seasonal migrations. As Arizona continues to invest in high-speed rural transportation corridors, designated wildlife crossings offer a proven, bipartisan safety solution that benefits motorists, wildlife populations, and communities across the state.
Andres Esparza, who leads Pew’s conservation work in Arizona, issued the following statement:
“This investment is an important first step toward making Arizona’s roads safer for people and wildlife. By investing in dedicated funding for wildlife crossings, the state can help reduce dangerous and costly collisions while reconnecting animal habitat across the landscape. These projects are proven to deliver lasting benefits for drivers, wildlife, and local communities. Just as importantly, because of Arizona’s commitment, the state can apply for matching federal wildlife crossing dollars while also establishing a framework for identifying more robust and reliable long-term state funding sources to meet the growing need. We look forward to continuing to work with state agencies and partners to ensure that these dollars support durable, high-impact projects on the ground.”
People
