Pew Praises Important Conservation Provisions in Infrastructure Bill

WASHINGTON—The Pew Charitable Trusts commends the U.S. House of Representatives for today approving provisions in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act that will benefit wildlife and fish migration, parks, and tribal lands.   

Marcia Argust, director of Pew’s U.S. public lands and rivers conservation work, issued the following statement:

“Passage by the House of Representatives of the bipartisan infrastructure bill’s significant investment in wildlife, fish, parks, and tribal lands following bipartisan Senate approval marks recognition of the importance of conserving our natural resources to enhance biodiversity, public health and safety, and local economies.    

“When signed into law, the legislation will provide the nation’s first dedicated resources—$350 million over five years—for state, local, and tribal governments to construct wildlife crossings that reduce human and animal fatalities and injuries caused by the more than 1 million wildlife-vehicle collisions that occur each year.

“Another $1 billion —spread equally over five years—will go to states, local governments, and tribes to repair or remove culverts, improving fish survival, and $400 million over five years will further aid fish survival by supporting removal of barriers such as dams.   

“National parks, other public lands, and tribal lands also will receive dedicated funding for the first time—$275 million over five years—for transportation repairs and improvements under the Nationally Significant Federal Lands and Tribal Projects program.   

“We applaud the bipartisan work that went into these important wildlife, river, and park conservation provisions, which will help local economies that depend on healthy ecosystems.  And we look forward to working with stakeholders and tribes as implementation of these programs moves forward in communities and states across the nation.”