A Conejo Valley project to build what would be the largest wildlife freeway overcrossing in the world just received a $20 million grant.
The additional funding sets the stage for work on the overpass over Highway 101 to start as soon as this year.
It’s a unique effort to help mountain lions and other wildlife cross what has become a dangerous barrier between parts of their habitat. The crossing would span ten lanes of Highway 101 at Liberty Canyon, over the southbound 101 near Agoura Hills.
It would allow wildlife to safely move from the Santa Monica Mountains to the Simi Hills.
The overpass will look and feel like an extension of the area’s natural habitat with soil, plants and even trees.
The National Wildlife Federation is leading the effort, which is a combination of government funding, donations, and grants.
The State Wildlife Conservation Board initially approved close to $5 million for the project. But, the Board just added another $20 million in funding to the effort. More than $70 million has now been committed to the estimated $87 million project.
