The Colorado Senate has approved bipartisan legislation that allows drivers to voluntarily pay an extra $5 when registering their vehicles.This initiative aims to finance wildlife crossings and reduce the escalating number of dangerous collisions between vehicles and animals on state highways.
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denvergazette.comIn 2024 alone, over 3,500 such incidents were reported on Colorado roads.
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gazette.comThe bill, known as SB26-141, is sponsored by Sen.Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco, and Senate Minority Leader Cleave Simpson, R-Alamosa.Following its passage on Monday, the measure is now headed to the House for further consideration.
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denvergazette.comgazette.comSenator Roberts emphasized the effectiveness of wildlife crossings, stating, "There's very little that we can do in government that is over 90% effective - but wildlife crossings are that rare solution." He noted that this infrastructure not only protects wildlife but also helps save money for drivers by reducing collisions.
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senatedems.coThe optional fee is set to take effect in 2027 and will apply to passenger vehicles, light trucks, motorcycles, and recreational vehicles.Importantly, motorists who choose not to pay the fee will face no penalties.
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gazette.comsenatedems.coLegislative analysts estimate that the fee could raise about $2 million in partial-year revenue during fiscal 2026-27 and approximately $3.9 million annually thereafter, based on anticipated participation rates.
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denvergazette.comOf this revenue, 75% is earmarked for a new Collision Prevention Fund, which will be managed by the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) to support construction and match federal grants.The remaining 25% will be allocated to habitat connectivity on either side of the crossings.
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gazette.comConservation organizations, including the Colorado Wildlife Federation and the League of Women Voters of Colorado, have expressed strong support for the bill.League volunteer lobbyist Janine Reid described the $5 fee as "very reasonable" and noted that it would facilitate the construction of vital infrastructure amidst tight budgets and waning federal support.
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denvergazette.comgazette.comData from the state indicates that wildlife-vehicle crashes remain a significant safety concern.From 2010 to 2025, these collisions resulted in 52 fatalities and over 400 serious injuries, with an estimated annual economic cost exceeding $300 million.
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gazette.comsenatedems.coWildlife crossings, when paired with proper fencing, have demonstrated a remarkable ability to reduce such collisions by 80% to 97% in treated areas nationwide.
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gazette.comColorado currently has 95 crossing structures, including the recently completed I-25 Greenland wildlife overpass, which is touted as North America's largest by surface area.
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gazette.comThis overpass spans six lanes and connects 39,000 acres of habitat for various wildlife species.CDOT Executive Director Shoshana Lew has stated that the overpass is crucial for both wildlife and motorist safety, with expectations to reduce wildlife-vehicle crashes by 90%.
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denvergazette.comThe bill's supporters have pointed to the impending end of existing federal grants, alongside ongoing budget constraints, as a key motivation for establishing a dedicated state fund for wildlife crossings.
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gazette.comThe Collision Prevention Fund will also allow Colorado to match any remaining federal funds available for such projects, helping to maintain progress in wildlife safety initiatives.
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senatedems.coAs the bill moves to the House, it represents a proactive step toward addressing the persistent issue of wildlife collisions in Colorado, while also demonstrating a commitment to enhancing public safety and wildlife conservation.
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denvergazette.comgazette.comIn summary, the Colorado Senate's passage of SB26-141 reflects a growing recognition of the need for innovative funding solutions to address environmental and safety challenges on state highways.As the state looks to the future, this voluntary fee could become a vital source of revenue for critical wildlife infrastructure projects.
