On Monday, March 17th, the House will vote on HB 2978, a bill that would provide $5 million per year in funding for Oregon Department of Transportation’s (ODOT) wildlife-vehicle collision reduction program. This program would minimize transportation impacts on wildlife through wildlife crossings, collaboration with Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW), training programs for staff, and resource sharing with agencies, Tribes, NGOs, academic Institutions & other community partners statewide.
HB 2978 would enable the construction of an additional 20 wildlife fencing and structure projects over the next 30 years, according to ODOT. These projects would lead to decreased collisions, and in turn, decreased costs, as seen with U.S. 97’s wildlife crossings. ODFW expects these crossings on U.S. 97 to pay for themselves in just 10 to 12 years. Imagine what we could do if we passed HB 2978.
Our wildlife deserves our protection and consideration in transportation designs, not only for their livelihood, but also for the deaths and hundreds of serious injuries that we face from these dangerous collisions. Let’s save the lives of thousands — both wildlife and people — each year by passing HB 2978!
Will you tell your representatives now to vote YES on HB 2978 before the hearing on Monday the 17th? Now is our chance to secure funding for this necessary program for our wildlife, transportation, and public safety!
