Committee advances wildlife‑connectivity bill after adding landowner consultation requirement

The House Transportation Committee on Feb. 25 advanced engrossed substitute Senate Bill 5203 (an integrated wildlife habitat connectivity strategy and two new treasury accounts) out of committee after adopting an amendment requiring landowners and agricultural producers be consulted before construction of wildlife crossing structures.

Representative Hall, sponsor of the amendment and bill remarks, said the bill asks the Washington State Department of Transportation and the Department of Fish and Wildlife to develop a strategy and implement updates to the State’s wildlife habitat connectivity action plan, and creates the Washington wildlife corridor account and the Washington wildlife crossings account to retain earnings and attract federal and private funds. "Wildlife crossing structures are an important part of making our roads safer," Hall said, citing reduced collisions and conservation benefits.

Hall moved MUNN894 to require consultation with landowners, farmers and community members prior to construction and asked members to support the change. Representative Orcutt said he preferred consultation earlier in planning but supported the amendment as an additional safeguard. Representative Barkas urged a no vote on the overall bill, arguing it could establish a framework for broader construction that would strain limited highway infrastructure funds and recommended additional work to find immediate, cost‑effective safety measures.

After roll call and a brief correction to a member’s recorded preference, the clerk announced the final tally: 16 ayes, 12 nays, 1 excused, 0 absent. Engrossed substitute Senate Bill 5203 was moved out of committee with a due‑pass recommendation.