Kelly, Sinema Announce Nearly $24 Million for Construction Along I-17 to Prevent Wildlife-Vehicle Collisions

Bipartisan Infrastructure Law led by Sinema and shaped by Kelly funded the Wildlife Crossings Pilot Program, allotting $23,992,588 to construct 16.8 total miles of new wildlife fencing along I-17

Nearly $24 million will be invested to construct 16.8 total miles of new wildlife fencing along I-17 to prevent wildlife-vehicle collisions from the bipartisan infrastructure law led by Senator Kyrsten Sinema and shaped by Senator Mark Kelly. 

“I-17 is one of the most dangerous stretches of roadway in Arizona. Thanks to our Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, this wildlife fencing is going to reduce the likelihood of accidents and help save lives,” said Kelly. 

“Arizonans driving along I-17 will enjoy safer travel thanks to our bipartisan infrastructure law delivering real and life-saving results,” said Sinema, co-author and lead negotiator of the bipartisan infrastructure law. 

The construction of this 16.8-mile wildlife fencing is part of the Federal Highway Administration’s Wildlife Crossings Pilot Program – funded by the bipartisan infrastructure law led by Sinema and shaped by Kelly – which is a competitive grant program aiming to reduce wildlife vehicle collisions and improve and protect wildlife habitats. 

As Arizona works to prevent wildlife-vehicle collisions along I-17, these funds from Kelly and Sinema’s bipartisan infrastructure law will significantly boost those efforts to protect Arizonans and Arizona wildlife. The 16.8-mile wildlife fencing project includes tying existing culverts, escape ramps, and double cattle guards to reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions along I-17 and increase habitat connectivity for local species, particularly elk. 

Sinema led bipartisan Senate negotiations to pass the infrastructure law with Republican Senator Rob Portman of Ohio that included Kelly and senators from both parties.

The bipartisan infrastructure law was supported by groups including The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Business Roundtable, The National Association of Manufacturers, The AFL-CIO, The National Retail Federation, The Bipartisan Policy Center, North America’s Building Trades Unions, the Outdoor Industry Association, The American Hotel and Lodging Association, The National Education Association, as well as hundreds of mayors across all 50 states.