WYOMING — The Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) will receive a $24.3 million federal grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation to complete a wildlife crossing project situated along a 30-mile stretch between Evanston and Kemmerer.
The Highway189 South Kemmerer Wildlife Crossing Project will consist of five underpasses, one overpass and fencing improvements, and is expected to take two to three construction seasons to complete.
“This project exemplifies Wyoming’s leadership in demonstrating a collaborative approach where we work together to solve problems,” Governor Mark Gordon said in a press release. “Through the efforts of our agencies and the involvement of private sector partners and landowners, we’re able to create a safer transportation corridor that conserves our world-class wildlife along a critical migration.”
According to the Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD), an average of 80 deer-vehicle collisions are reported annually along U.S. 189 — although this number is likely underreported. This project is anticipated to eliminate 80 to 90 percent of wildlife-vehicle collisions. The Kemmerer project will help the Wyoming Range and Uinta deer herds, as well the Carter Lease pronghorn herd.
“Wildlife is valuable to Wyoming and the entire country,” WGFD Department Director Brian Nesvik said in a statement. “This project is an investment that helps preserve the historic and iconic migration of mule deer and pronghorn and aligns well with Wyoming’s commitment to conservation. We are pleased that the Federal Highway Administration also recognizes the value of Wyoming’s comprehensive wildlife crossing plan and the partnerships that are making our state’s plan work.”
The Federal Highway Administration award is part of the $350 million available through the federal wildlife crossing pilot program funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Approximately $112 million was allocated during this first round of awards, with WYDOT receiving more than 20 percent of the available funding for the Kemmerer project.
