87-1-627. Big game and wildlife highway crossings and accommodations account -- purpose -- funds invested -- statutory appropriation. (1) There is a big game and wildlife highway crossings and accommodations state special revenue account within the state special revenue fund established in 17-2-102 administered by the department.

(2) The purpose of the account is to provide money exclusively for the design, construction, identification, maintenance, and conservation of wildlife crossings and other related crossing accommodations to improve wildlife permeability in the state, which may include but is not limited to:

(a) matching any federal money for a project to design, construct, identify, maintain, or protect wildlife crossings and other related crossing accommodation features;

(b) conducting studies on wildlife crossings and other related crossing accommodations;

(c) designing or constructing wildlife crossings and other related crossing accommodation features;

(d) planning related to wildlife crossings and other related crossing accommodation features, including assessing risk of wildlife disease transmission;

(e) staffing needs related to the design, construction, identification, maintenance, and conservation of wildlife crossings and other related crossing accommodation features; and

(f) any other needs the department identified in consultation with the department of transportation related to wildlife roadway accommodations.

(3) There must be deposited into the account transfers, gifts, grants, donations, income from investment of the fund, and any other money distributed or otherwise allocated to the fund.

(4) Money in the account is statutorily appropriated, as provided in 17-7-502, to the department for the purposes of 87-1-626 and 87-1-627.

(5) Money in the account may be used to fund the department of transportation for eligible projects or programs as determined by the department of fish, wildlife, and parks. The department of fish, wildlife, and parks shall consult with the department of transportation before funding qualifying projects in the state in accordance with subsection (2).

(6) Money that was not encumbered or expended from the account during the previous biennium must remain in the account.

(7) Deposits to the account must be placed in short-term investments to accrue interest. The interest must be deposited into the account.