Fiscal Year 2026 Wildlife Crossings Pilot Program
🏛 DOT Federal Highway Administration (DOT-FHWA)
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Oct 8, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for projects that reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions and improve habitat connectivity. State DOTs, metropolitan planning organizations, local governments, regional transportation authorities, special districts, Indian Tribes, Federal Land Management Agencies, and groups of these entities may apply. Both construction and non-construction projects qualify, though construction may be prioritized. A 20 percent non-Federal cost share is required unless an exception applies. A minimum of 60 percent of annual funds must go to rural areas.
The program operates nationally. Projects must directly address public safety by reducing collisions between wildlife and vehicles. Eligible applicants include state and local government agencies, tribal nations, and federal land management agencies. Multi-entity partnerships are welcome.
⚖️ Cost sharing / matching required — applicants must contribute their own funds.
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Program description
The purpose of the WCPP is to provide funding to eligible entities for projects seeking to improve safety of the traveling public by reducing the number of wildlife-vehicle collisions (WVC) and, in doing so, improve habitat connectivity for terrestrial and aquatic species.
This NOFO will award approximately $80 million in Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 funding via cost reimbursable grants. DOT may also award any remaining and available funds from previous fiscal years under this opportunity.
The actual amount available to be awarded under this notice will be subject to the availability of funds.
NOTE: The information under ‘Award’ on this page requires the specification of a minimum and maximum dollar value for anticipated awards due to Grants.gov system requirements. However, as stated in the NOFO, there are no minimum or maximum award sizes.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- NOFO and application instructions from Grants.gov
- Project Narrative addressing WVC reduction and habitat connectivity goals
- Budget and Budget Narrative
- Cost Share documentation and letters of commitment
- Environmental documentation (NEPA compliance likely required)
- Project maps and engineering drawings (if construction)
- Wildlife impact assessment or ecological baseline data
Program contact
- 👤 DOT Federal Highway Administration
- 📧 support@grants.gov
- 📞 202-366-4004
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 20.290 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$7,679,733
-
$6,124,522
-
$5,840,000
-
$4,460,648
-
$3,230,280
-
$1,232,000
-
$840,000
-
$560,000
Top States by Funding
- MT 1 awards $7.7M
- ME 2 awards $7.1M
- FL 1 awards $6.1M
- NM 1 awards $4.5M
- OR 1 awards $3.2M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 20.290). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2026 est. | $125,000,000 |
FAQ
Who is eligible to apply for WCPP funding?
State DOTs, metropolitan planning organizations, local governments, tribal nations, regional transportation authorities, special districts, Federal Land Management Agencies, and groups of these entities can apply. Multi-agency partnerships are allowed.
What is the cost-sharing requirement?
Applicants must provide 20 percent non-Federal cost share. FLMAs and Tribes may use other Federal funds as matching funds. Applicants without the required match are ineligible.
What types of projects are funded?
Both construction and non-construction projects qualify. Construction projects may receive priority. Projects must reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions and improve habitat connectivity.
Is there a funding cap per award?
No minimum or maximum award sizes are specified. Awards depend on project scope, merit, and available funds.
What is the deadline?
The FY 2026 deadline is November 16, 2026. Approximately $80 million is available, though final amounts depend on budget availability.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Emphasize public safety benefits and WVC reduction metrics in your narrative. Quantify current collision rates and projected improvements.
- Document rural area impact clearly if your project is in a rural location. Rural projects receive prioritized funding consideration.
- Show strong non-Federal cost sharing support. Include committed letters from partners documenting the 20 percent match.
- Propose measurable habitat connectivity outcomes alongside safety improvements. Integrate both goals into project design.
- Connect your project to existing transportation and wildlife plans. Reference state DOT priorities and regional conservation strategies.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Failing to secure the required 20 percent non-Federal cost share before applying. Many applicants underestimate WVC data collection needs and present weak baseline metrics. Applications that ignore rural funding requirements or fail to prioritize rural project areas often rank lower competitively.
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