(a) (1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated. (2) "Coalition" means the Maryland Connectivity Coalition. (3) "Endangered species" has the meaning stated in § 10-2A-01 of this subtitle. (4) "Threatened species" has the meaning stated in § 10-2A-01 of this subtitle. (5) "Wildlife connectivity" means the ability of wildlife to move freely between habitats to access resources, maintain healthy populations, and adapt to environmental changes. (6) "Wildlife crossings" means improvements to roads, bridges, or highways designed to improve wildlife connectivity or to reduce collisions between vehicles and wildlife. (b) (1) There is a Maryland Connectivity Coalition. (2) The purpose of the Coalition is to foster collaboration among State and federal agencies, nongovernmental organizations, and other stakeholders to: (i) Protect threatened and endangered species from habitat fragmentation that reduces access to resources such as food or potential mates; (ii) Protect motorists and wildlife in the State by reducing collisions between vehicles and wildlife; and (iii) Facilitate the sharing of resources, data, and expertise relating to wildlife habitat connectivity. (3) The Coalition consists of the following members: (i) The Secretary of Natural Resources, or the Secretary's designee; (ii) The State Highway Administrator, or the Administrator's designee; (iii) One member of the House of Delegates, appointed by the Speaker of the House; (iv) One member of the Senate of Maryland, appointed by the President of the Senate; and (v) Representatives of any other State agencies, federal agencies, nongovernmental organizations, regional coalitions, or private entities selected by the Secretary and the State Highway Administrator. (4) The State Highway Administrator or the Administrator's designee shall serve as chair of the Coalition. (5) The Department and the State Highway Administration shall adopt rules for the Coalition, including: (i) Membership in the Coalition; (ii) The role of any nongovernmental organizations or private entities that are members of the Coalition; (iii) The roles and responsibilities of the leadership of the Coalition; and (iv) Meeting rules and procedures. (6) (i) The Coalition shall develop criteria for prioritizing wildlife connectivity projects. (ii) Criteria developed under subparagraph (i) of this paragraph may include: 1. Locations with a high number of collisions between vehicles and wildlife; 2. Locations where highways divide the habitat of threatened or endangered species; 3. Locations where wildlife crossings could be designed to facilitate multiple species; 4. Equity in distributing funds between: A. Different regions of the State; and B. Urban, suburban, and rural areas; and 5. Any other criteria identified by the Coalition. (7) The Coalition shall develop performance metrics to evaluate the success of funded projects, including: (i) Measurable outcomes, such as reductions in collisions between vehicles and wildlife; and (ii) Enhancements to habitat connectivity. (8) (i) Except as provided in subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, the Coalition shall meet quarterly to: 1. Share new data, analyses, and research; 2. Identify any additional data, analyses, or research needed; 3. Update the members on the status of planned or ongoing wildlife crossings; 4. Identify locations where additional wildlife connectivity is needed; and 5. Make recommendations on funding for wildlife connectivity. (ii) The Coalition may cancel a meeting for lack of an agenda. (9) The State Highway Administration shall have final decision- making authority regarding any decision relating to the placement, funding, or design of wildlife crossings. (10) The Coalition shall develop a website and publish on its website: (i) The purpose, history, and members of the Coalition; (ii) Any criteria used for prioritizing projects; (iii) Any data, analyses, or research relevant to the purpose of the Coalition; (iv) Coalition meeting agendas and minutes; (v) Information to educate the public on the importance of wildlife connectivity and wildlife crossings; and (vi) Completed wildlife crossings and wildlife crossings under development. (c) (1) The State Highway Administration shall report on wildlife crossings in each consolidated transportation plan of the State. (2) The report required under paragraph (1) of this subsection shall include: (i) Transportation Trust Fund expenditures for wildlife crossings; (ii) Wildlife crossings planned and in process; and (iii) Performance metrics and measurable outcomes evaluating the success of completed wildlife crossings. (d) The Department and the State Highway Administration may adopt regulations necessary to carry out the provisions of this subtitle.
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