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Sunday, March 30, 2025

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JD, Usha Vance visit Greenland as Trump administration eyes territory; Maine nurses, medical workers call for improved staffing ratios; Court orders WA to rewrite CAFO dairy operation permit regulations; MS aims to expand Fresh Start Act to cut recidivism.

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The Dept. of Health and Human Services prepares to cut 10,000 more jobs. Election officials are unsure if a Trump executive order will be enacted, and Republicans in Congress say they aim to cut NPR and PBS funding.

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Rural folks face significant clean air and water risks due to EPA cutbacks, a group of policymakers is working to expand rural health care via mobile clinics, and a new study maps Montana's news landscape.

NM Legislature advances appropriations bill with funding for wildlife corridors

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Thursday, February 27, 2025   

The New Mexico state House of Representatives has advanced an appropriations bill advancing funding for new wildlife migration-crossing corridors to keep large animals and vehicles out of each other's path. It goes to the state Senate next week. The measure allots $50 million for constructing underpasses and overpasses to allow elk, deer, bears and other migrating animals to avoid crossing roadways.

Jim Hirsch, wildlife coordinator in District 4 with the New Mexico Department of Transportation, says the crossings keep both drivers and animals out of harm's way.

"You can have a reduction of well over 95% in wildlife vehicle collisions. Research with trail cameras have demonstrated that these structures are indeed used by a variety of wildlife," he said.

There are at least 1,200 such crashes reported to law enforcement each year, costing drivers nearly $20 million in vehicle damage, emergency response and hospital bills. An adult male elk can weigh up to 600 pounds and do catastrophic damage to a car or truck in a collision.

The Wildlife Corridors Act was passed with bipartisan support during the 2023 legislative session, but lawmakers failed in 2024 to approve funding for the project. State officials say if the Appropriations Bill is approved, they will plan and build dozens of bridge-like structures over the next few years.

Garrett Vene Klasen, director of the New Mexico Wilderness Alliance, says the project is critical.

"These projects are incredibly expensive. An overpass can cost upwards of 150 million or more. I mean, they're absolutely crucial for both people's safety, public safety, and for the wildlife themselves," he explained.

Wildlife Migration Corridors have been built in several other states, including California, Colorado, Florida, Nevada, Oregon, Utah and Wyoming. A federal Wildlife Crossings Pilot Program was included in the Bipartisan Infrastructure package signed into law in 2021.


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