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California's Wildlife Crossing: $114M Controversy and Conservation Debate

3/19/2026

34 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Gavin Newsom, the Governor of California, launched the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing in 2022.
It aims to provide an overpass for wildlife over the 101 Freeway.
Initially budgeted at $92 million, the project now totals about $114 million with state funding.
Critics call it patronage, and proponents cite mountain lions' survival, while researchers note alternative genetic strategies amid California's budget deficit.

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Story summary

Gavin Newsom, the Governor of California, launched the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing in 2022.
It aims to provide an overpass for wildlife over the 101 Freeway.
Initially budgeted at $92 million, the project now totals about $114 million with state funding.
Critics call it patronage, and proponents cite mountain lions' survival, while researchers note alternative genetic strategies amid California's budget deficit.