Take Action: Support Federal Wildlife Crossings Legislation
Below please find a toolkit for key messaging points and a drafted template letter to Rep. Hurd to encourage him to co-sponser the new Wildlife Road Crossings Program Reauthorization Act.
Your support is greatly appreciated!
Please find the toolkit pasted below and also available via download here.
KEY MESSAGING POINTS
About the Bill
The Wildlife Road Crossings Program Reauthorization Act of 2025 (H.R. 6078) makes the wildlife crossings program permanent and authorizes $200 million annually through 2031
Introduced by Representatives Beyer and Zinke with bipartisan support
Provides 100% federal funding for Tribal projects and technical assistance to ensure equitable access
The Problem
1-2 million vehicle collisions with large animals occur annually nationwide
Over 3,000 wildlife-vehicle collisions happen in Colorado every year
These crashes result in hundreds of human fatalities, tens of thousands of injuries, and billions in property damage
Along a six-mile stretch of Highway 82 near Aspen, there have been over 300 reported collisions in the last decade—averaging 5.6 per mile annually
The Solution
Wildlife crossing structures (overpasses, underpasses, culverts) reduce collisions by over 90%
Colorado has already proven this works—we're leaders in wildlife crossing infrastructure
The current pilot program received 128 proposals but could only fund 35 projects in 29 states
Colorado has many more projects in the works, including in the 3rd Congressional District
Why Rep. Hurd Should Co-Sponsor
As a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and Highways and Transit Subcommittee, his voice is critical
Protects Western Colorado drivers on high-risk highways
Brings federal infrastructure dollars to rural communities
Colorado received a $25M grant for the Greenland Wildlife Overpass—let's continue this momentum
Supports local economies dependent on hunting, tourism, and outdoor recreation
Fiscally responsible: reduces long-term costs from collisions while protecting big game habitat
TEMPLATE LETTER TO REPRESENTATIVE JEFF HURD
Contact Jeff Hurd Here: https://hurd.house.gov/contact/email-me
Subject: Please Co-Sponsor H.R. 6078 - Wildlife Road Crossings Program Reauthorization Act
Dear Representative Hurd,
I am writing as your constituent to urge you to co-sponsor the Wildlife Road Crossings Program Reauthorization Act of 2025 (H.R. 6078), recently introduced by Representatives Beyer and Zinke.
This bipartisan legislation would make the Wildlife Crossing Program permanent and extend funding through fiscal year 2031. The program provides critical grants to states to plan and build wildlife crossings that save both human and animal lives.
The problem is urgent. Annually, there are between one and two million vehicle collisions with large animals—including deer, elk, moose, and bear. These collisions result in millions of dead animals, hundreds of human fatalities, tens of thousands of injuries, and billions of dollars in damage for everyday Americans. Here in Colorado, we experience over 3,000 collisions with large animals every year.
The solution works. Wildlife crossing structures such as overpasses, underpasses, and culverts can reduce wildlife collisions by over 90%. Colorado has already demonstrated this success.
The need is great. The Wildlife Crossings Pilot Program, approved in 2021, received 128 proposals but has only been able to support 35 projects in 29 states. Colorado has many more projects that need funding, including right here in the 3rd Congressional District. These projects will continue to make roads safer for wildlife and Coloradans alike.
Your leadership matters. As a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and the Highways and Transit Subcommittee, you have an outsized role in deciding the future of funding for wildlife crossings. Colorado has been a leader in wildlife crossings and has already benefited from the Wildlife Crossing Pilot Program, receiving a $25 million grant for the Greenland Wildlife Overpass.
Thank you for your leadership on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and your commitment to serving Colorado's 3rd District. By co-sponsoring H.R. 6078, you have the opportunity to continue Colorado's proud tradition of leadership on wildlife conservation while making our roads safer for everyone. Your support for permanently authorizing the Wildlife Crossing Program would make a meaningful difference for both wildlife and the constituents you serve.
I'm grateful for your consideration and your service to our community.
Sincerely,
(Your Name)
(Your City, State)
(Your Email)
