9.29.26_-_Final_Draft_WCPP_Application_Template.docx

Fiscal Year 2026 Wildlife Crossing Pilot Program Application Template

This is the Application Template for the Wildlife Crossings Pilot Program (WCPP) Competitive Grant Program Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO).

Submission of this Application Template is required as part of a complete application package. The Application Template, in conjunction with the allowable attachments and standard forms, should provide all information necessary for the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to determine if the project satisfies the eligibility requirements described in the NOFO Section B and to evaluate the criteria specified in NOFO Section F. DOT will consider applications submitted without the completed template as incomplete and will not review the submission. DOT encourages applicants to review the NOFO in its entirety to verify their project is eligible and all required information is provided with their application.

I. SUMMARY

Expand the response blocks as necessary but limit the Summary section of the application to three total pages in length. [Applicants: delete instructions shown below in italic prior to submittal]

Project Name:

Eligible Entity Applying to Receive Federal Funding (identify Lead and all other entities if application is from a group of entities):

Entity Type(s) (check all that apply):

☐ State Department of Transportation (State DOT);

☐ A Metropolitan planning organization (MPO);

☐ Units of local Government;

☐ A regional transportation authority;

☐ A special purpose district or public authority with a transportation function;

☐ Indian Tribe;

☐ A Federal Land Management Agency (FLMA).

☐ Units of local Government;

☐ A regional transportation authority;

☐ A special purpose district or public authority with a transportation function;

☐ Indian Tribe;

☐ A FLMA;

☐ A foundation, nongovernmental organization, or institution of higher education;

☐ A Federal, Tribal, regional, or State government entity;

☐ Statewide ☐ Multi-State

State(s) in which the project is located:

Is consultation with a State highway agency, or an equivalent of that agency, required (Section B.2)?

If yes, is it documented?

Consultation required? ☐ Yes ☐ No Is it documented? ☐ Yes ☐ No

Lead Applicant Point of Contact information:

Project Abstract: Summarize project work to be completed under the project and succinctly describe how the WCPP funds would be used to complete the project.

Attachments: Please list any attachments to this form, including letters of support. This includes any applicable State DOT support letters as described in Section B.4 of the NOFO.

II. Project Information

Expand the response blocks as necessary but limit the Project Information section of the application to three total pages in length. [Applicants: delete instructions shown below in italic prior to submittal]

☐ No ☐ Yes If yes, provide the name of the Tribal lands:

III. Budget and Funding

Expand the response blocks as necessary but limit the Budget and Funding section of the application to three total pages in length, excluding attachments. [Applicants: delete instructions shown below in italic prior to submittal]

Other Federal programs and estimated amounts: (add lines as needed) Program: _________________Amount: $____________

Amount: $____________

☐ A detailed scope and schedule are attached separately. The file is named:

Activity: Cost:

Activity: Cost:

Activity: Cost:

Activity: Cost:

☐ A detailed budget is attached separately. The file is named:

IV. Merit Criteria

In the space below, describe how the project will meet the merit criteria and the associated objectives as found in Section F of the FY 2026 WCPP NOFO. Where appropriate, reference attachments or other sections of the application. Expand the response blocks as needed, but limit the length of the merit criteria section of the application to six total pages in length.

Criterion #1: Reduction of Wildlife Vehicle Collisions

Criterion #2: Improvement of Terrestrial and Aquatic Habitat Connectivity

Criterion #3: Secondary Statutory Selection Considerations

V. Project Readiness

In the space below, describe how the project will meet the Readiness Considerations and the associated elements as found in Section F of the FY 2026 WCPP NOFO. Where appropriate, reference attachments or other sections of the application. Expand the response blocks as needed but limit the length of the project readiness section of the application to three total pages in length.

Readiness: Technical Assessment

Readiness: Financial Completeness Assessment

Readiness: Environmental Review and Permitting Risk Assessment

VI. DOT Priority Considerations

In the space below, describe how the project will meet the selection priorities in Section F of the FY 2026 WCPP NOFO. Where appropriate, reference attachments or other sections of the application. Expand the response blocks, as needed, but limit the length of the DOT Selection Priorities section of the application to three total pages in length.

DOT Selection Priorities:

Check all that apply to the project (DOT will use information in other portions of the application to determine responsiveness to the other Selection Priorities listed in the NOFO):

☐ Project(s) decrease roadway traffic congestion without proposing limits to roadway capacity for motor vehicles or creating artificial chokepoints for motor vehicles.

☐ The project is for construction.

☐ Project(s) improves the travel experience for American families.

☐ None of the above apply to the project.

DOT Selection Priorities: Briefly describe below how the project meets the checked DOT priorities.