California closes in on completing the world’s largest wildlife crossing
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~ Sacramento, California - The world's largest wildlife crossing is nearing completion in California, with the final push being provided by new funding announced by Governor Gavin Newsom today. The Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing, located on US 101, will provide safe passage for wildlife and reduce collisions with vehicles.

The project, which is the first of its kind in California, aims to bridge the gap between conservation and urban development. Governor Newsom believes that this crossing will not only make life safer for both wildlife and drivers but also ensure that people and animals can thrive together for generations to come.

The California Transportation Commission (CTC) has allocated $18.8 million from the Environmental Enhancement and Mitigation Program to support the project. This program was established in 1989 to mitigate environmental impacts associated with transportation projects. In addition to this funding, the CTC has also approved nearly $1 billion for various transportation improvements across the state as part of Governor Newsom's Build More, Faster - For All infrastructure agenda.

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The Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing is a public-private partnership involving numerous organizations and institutions. It aims to protect and restore wildlife habitats in Southern California by reconnecting protected lands in the Santa Monica Mountains and Sierra Madre Range on both sides of US 101. This expansion of interconnected conserved lands and waters will not only benefit biodiversity but also support transportation infrastructure.

The crossing will feature coastal sage scrub plant species native to the Santa Monica Mountains, contributing to an overall environmental restoration strategy that includes 12 acres of open space and 50,000 native plants.

Governor Newsom broke ground on this ambitious project alongside Wallis Annenberg on Earth Day in 2022. Annenberg was posthumously inducted into the California Hall of Fame in 2025 for her contributions to conservation efforts. The project is expected to be completed by Fall 2026.

California has been a leader in conservation efforts through initiatives like the 30x30 commitment to conserve 30% of the state's lands and coastal waters by 2030. In just one year, California has added over 1 million acres of conserved land and waters, which is larger than the entire state of Rhode Island.

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Under Governor Newsom's leadership, California has also established two new national monuments, launched a major project to restore shallow water habitats at the Salton Sea, and received international recognition for protecting marine habitats. The state is also working to ensure that all residents have access to its natural wonders through programs like State Parks' discount pass programs and the Youth Community Access Program.

In addition to this exciting news about the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing, Governor Newsom also announced ten new appointments to Superior Court Judges across various counties in California. He also highlighted the success of California's border drug-interdiction operations, which have seized over $506 million worth of illicit fentanyl since their expansion in 2021.

California is also gearing up for major events like Super Bowl LX at Levi's Stadium this Sunday, which is expected to bring in over $18 billion in economic benefits. With these achievements and initiatives, California continues to set the gold standard for conservation efforts and sports events.

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