12/04/2023 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 12/04/2023 15:51
Funding will be used for an overpass, several underpasses and fencing along a 30-mile stretch of US 189 south of Kemmerer
12/4/2023 2:50:00 PM
Cheyenne - In a victory for transportation safety and wildlife, the Wyoming Department of Transportation will receive a $24.3 million federal grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation to complete a wildlife crossing project south of Kemmerer.
The grant will be used for the Kemmerer Wildlife Crossing Project on U.S. Highway 189 in southwest Wyoming. The project will consist of five underpasses, one overpass and fencing improvements along a 30-mile stretch between Evanston and Kemmerer.
"This project exemplifies Wyoming's leadership in demonstrating a collaborative approach where we work together to solve problems," Governor Mark Gordon said. "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."
The project will provide motorists with a safer means of travel while ensuring wildlife can continue to migrate between seasonal ranges. Along U.S. 189, an average of 80 deer-vehicle collisions are reported annually - although this number is likely underreported. Traffic is expected to increase on this stretch of road in the coming years as a nuclear power facility will be constructed near Kemmerer. Once completed, this project is anticipated to eliminate 80-90% of wildlife-vehicle collisions.
"This is a great triumph for the state," said Darin Westby, WYDOT director. "Our mission is to provide a safe and effective transportation system for all of Wyoming, including its wildlife. This wouldn't be possible without all of the external and internal partners involved, including the Transportation Commission, WYDOT's grant writers in Cheyenne, WYDOT's crews in southwest Wyoming and anyone who has donated time, resources or their hard-earned dollars in support of Wyoming's wildlife. This is truly everyone's project."
The Kemmerer project will help the Wyoming Range and Uinta deer herds, as well the Carter Lease pronghorn herd.
The total cost of this project is expected to be $37.4 million. In addition to the federal grant and $4.2 million in WYDOT formula funds, the Wyoming Transportation Commission, Game and Fish Commission, Wyoming Wildlife and Natural Resource Trust and partners contributed $8.8 million to fully fund the project. The project will go out to bid in early 2024 and is expected to take 2-3 construction seasons to complete.
This project would not be possible without the support from public, private and nonprofit partners including the WYldlife Fund, Transportation Commission, Wyoming Game and Fish Commission, Wyoming Wildlife and Natural Resource Trust, the Wyoming Legislature and Wyoming's Congressional delegation.
"I am thankful and excited to have had the opportunity to work with WYDOT, Game and Fish, industry, foundations, and nonprofit organizations to secure this incredibly important funding source to conserve Wyoming's incredible iconic wildlife," said Chris McBarnes, president of the WYldlife Fund. "Wyoming is showing the power of public-private partnerships which will continue to produce positive results for wildlife and advance the overall prosperity of our state."
The following donors helped accrue nearly $1 million to help fund this project:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
To learn more about wildlife crossings and get involved, visit the Game and Fish website.
(Breanna Ball, Public Information Officer - ([email protected]))
- WGFD -