Story perspectives

California Wildlife Crossing Hits $21M Over Budget, Delayed

3/21/2026

Summary

Story summary

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom over Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing, $21 million over budget and delayed to 2026.
Costs rose from $92 million to $114 million, with taxpayers paying $77 million.
The crossing provides safe wildlife passage across 101 Freeway, inspired by the death of a mountain lion.
Newsom's office attributes delays and cost increases to inflation and tariffs; critics call the project too expensive.

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Story summary

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom over Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing, $21 million over budget and delayed to 2026.
Costs rose from $92 million to $114 million, with taxpayers paying $77 million.
The crossing provides safe wildlife passage across 101 Freeway, inspired by the death of a mountain lion.
Newsom's office attributes delays and cost increases to inflation and tariffs; critics call the project too expensive.