Wildlife Crossings Can Save Oregonian Lives and Money
In testimony, Pew urges state Legislature to fund infrastructure to keep animals off roads
On June 12, The Pew Charitable Trusts submitted testimony to the Oregon Legislature’s Joint Committee on Transportation Reinvestment in support of proposed annual funding for wildlife crossings, included in the state’s Transportation Reinvestment Package to help reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions in the state. A 2020 analysis found that Oregon has the highest risk of these collisions among West Coast states.
Thankfully, wildlife crossings—such as bridges and underpasses—are proven solutions. For example, Oregon’s Lava Butte underpass near Bend has cut wildlife-vehicle collisions by more than 85% since its construction in 2012. Additionally, wildlife crossings are a sound economic investment, with each structure yielding estimated annual benefits of $250,000 to $443,000.
Pew previously submitted testimony in support of funding for wildlife crossings on March 12 to the Oregon Committee on Ways and Means Subcommittee on Transportation and Economic Development. The state’s 2025 legislative session runs through the end of June.
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