Wildlife Corridors Grant Fund

Item 382 #2s

Language
Page 414, line 8, strike "$50,130,696" and insert "$54,880,696".
Page 414, line 8, strike "$50,130,696" and insert "$50,380,696".

Page 414, after line 23, insert:

"C.1. Out of the amounts in  this Item, $4,750,000 the first year and $250,000 the second year from the general fund is provided to establish the Wildlife Corridor Grant Fund, and implement the Wildlife Corridor Action Plan pursuant to §29.1-579, Code of Virginia.  From these amounts, $4,5000,000 the first year shall be used by the department solely for the purpose of providing grants to eligible political subdivisions for the funding of high priority projects that reduce vehicle crashes involving wildlife and improve habitat connectivity for terrestrial and aquatic wildlife, as set forth in the Plan. Any funding remaining at the end of each fiscal year shall not revert to the general fund.

2. Out of the amounts appropriated in paragraph C.1, $250,000 in the first year and $250,000 in the second year from the general fund is provided to the department to support two additional staff biologists to administer the Wildlife Corridor Action Plan. The department is authorized to enter into cooperative agreements with qualified nonprofit and private entities to assist in wildlife connectivity site planning and monitoring activities."