Colorado’s Initiative to Reduce Wildlife-Related Vehicle Collisions
A coalition of legislators from Colorado's Western Slope is proposing a new initiative aimed at reducing vehicle collisions with wildlife. The proposal involves an optional $5 fee added to vehicle registration, designed to fund infrastructure improvements like wildlife overpasses and underpasses.
State Senator Dylan Roberts highlighted the urgency of the issue, noting Colorado's high rate of wildlife-related vehicle incidents. "Colorado experiences the most wildlife collisions in the western United States," Roberts stated, emphasizing both the frequency of insurance claims and the severe human costs associated with these accidents.
In 2024, state reports recorded nearly 7,500 roadkill instances, predominantly involving deer, with wildlife identified as a significant contributor to vehicular accidents. The financial impact of these incidents is substantial, with collisions reportedly costing $321 million annually, and the average cost of an encounter with a deer estimated at over $23,700.
Colorado has been investing in wildlife crossing projects as a proven method to address this issue. For instance, the implementation of various wildlife crossing structures on a section of Colorado Highway 9 resulted in a 90% reduction in wildlife-vehicle collisions. Following this success, further projects have been launched, including the Greenland Wildlife Overpass and the Genesee Underpass.
Despite the documented effectiveness of these measures, securing funding remains a challenge. Wildlife fencing alone can cost up to $64,000 per mile, while individual overpasses might require up to $15 million. Senate Bill 141 aims to address this by channeling proceeds from the proposed vehicle registration fee into a Collision Reduction Fund, managed by the Colorado Department of Transportation and Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
Roberts and co-sponsors believe that the success of similar initiatives, like the Keep Colorado Wild Pass, demonstrates the potential for voluntary vehicle registration fees to generate significant funds—potentially $6.5 million annually if similar participation levels are achieved.
Additionally, the bipartisan legislative team sees an opportunity to leverage federal funds. The 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law includes a Wildlife Crossings Pilot Program, offering Colorado a potential $4 in federal funds for every state dollar invested.
In previous attempts to secure funding through mandatory insurance fees, legislative proposals faced challenges, including opposition in committee stages. This year's proposed measure focuses on a voluntary approach and has garnered broader bipartisan support.
If approved, the new funding mechanism could significantly aid projects like the proposed underpass and overpass in the Roaring Fork Valley, underscoring Colorado's commitment to enhancing road safety and wildlife conservation through innovative infrastructure solutions.