Statewide wildlife connectivity assessment tool and action plan

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) awarded the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) a $600,000 project grant under the Highway Planning and Construction program (CFDA 20.205) on September 11, 2025, with a completion date of June 30, 2029. This award supports the development of a Statewide Wildlife Connectivity Assessment Tool and Action Plan for Arizona. The project represents a specialized application of federal-aid highway funding to address wildlife connectivity, which falls within eligible planning and preliminary engineering activities under CFDA 20.205.

The deliverables under this grant include the creation of a comprehensive assessment tool and accompanying action plan designed to identify and evaluate wildlife corridors and connectivity opportunities across Arizona's transportation network. While specific methodologies are not detailed in the award documentation, such initiatives typically support transportation planning efforts that incorporate environmental stewardship and ecosystem connectivity considerations. As a state department of transportation administering this federal grant, ADOT will be responsible for project oversight, record retention, and compliance with applicable environmental review requirements under the National Environmental Policy Act and relevant federal regulations governing federal-aid highway projects.

Project description

Wildlife connectivity plan