Douglas County’s Greenland Wildlife Overpass Project Selected as One of 19 Wildlife Crossings Funded Nationwide
WASHINGTON – Colorado U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper and Michael Bennet and Colorado Governor Jared Polis welcomed $22 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to build a dedicated wildlife overpass on Interstate 25 between Denver and Colorado Springs. DOT selected the Greenland Wildlife Overpass Project as one of 19 projects funded across the country through the Wildlife Crossing Pilot Program created and supported by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
“Wildlife crossings reduce car accidents, protect our big game, and cut time sitting in traffic,” said Hickenlooper. “Investments like this $22 million towards the Greenland Wildlife Overpass on I-25 between Colorado Springs and Denver help save lives, ease congestion, and connect the natural habitats of the Great Plains with the Rocky Mountains.”
“The Greenland Overpass will connect 39,000 acres of important big game habitat, reduce roadway hazards, and help keep both Colorado drivers and wildlife safe,” said Bennet. “I urged the Biden administration to support natural infrastructure projects in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and I’m pleased Douglas County and CDOT will receive this funding. This is what it looks like to invest in America again.”
“Colorado is known for our world-class outdoors and amazing wildlife, and we are working to protect both for generations to come. As a community, we are leading the way when it comes to wildlife crossings, saving people money and improving safety in the process. Thanks to the support of Colorado’s federal delegation, local communities, and CDOT’s dedicated environmental teams, we are excited to move forward with the Greenland Wildlife Overpass,” said Polis.
I-25 bisects the largest protected open space along Colorado’s Front Range in Douglas County. The Greenland Wildlife Overpass Project will connect habitats on both sides of the highway and help reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions with big game species such as elk and mule deer, protecting Colorado drivers and wildlife. Once completed, this project will be one of the largest wildlife connectivity projects in North America.
In September, Hickenlooper and Bennet sent a letter to DOT Secretary Pete Buttigieg in support of Douglas County and the Colorado Department of Transportation’s (CDOT) application for this funding.
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