California’s Wildlife Crossing Project Under Scrutiny

The individual running for California’s top financial auditor position has criticized the extravagant $114 million wildlife crossing initiative, labeling it the “Bridge to Nowhere.” He believes it represents a fiscal misstep and warns taxpayers may face further financial burdens.

The Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing was presented as a vital conservation effort aimed at enabling wildlife in the Santa Monica Mountains and Simi Hills to traverse Highway 101 safely.

In 2022, Governor Gavin Newsom announced that California allocated $54 million to start the project, with an additional $10 million earmarked to complete it; funding will also come from charitable donations.

The project was partly inspired by the community’s mourning for “Hollywood Lion” P22, who tragically died after being struck by a vehicle while attempting to cross Highway 101, a poignant reminder of the need for such measures.

Projected costs could escalate to around $92 million by 2025, ultimately reaching $114 million, with taxpayers already contributing about $77 million, reflecting a $21 million increase.

Recent discussions reignited interest in the project, thanks in part to a thought-provoking article by a senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute, Christopher F. Rufo. His commentary, along with investigative reporter Kenneth Schlapp’s insights on rising project costs, gained significant traction online.

Herb Morgan, a candidate for Secretary of State and California’s chief fiscal overseer who audits government spending, highlighted the crossing as an example of excessive spending in Sacramento.

“If it’s not a bridge, it’s a train to nowhere,” he remarked, illustrating his broader concerns about state expenditures.

With nearly four decades in the financial sector, Morgan noted that the concerns surrounding fiscal responsibility extend beyond just one project.

“This bridge is just one example this week,” he stated.

The newspaper reached out to Administrator Maria Cohen for more information on oversight regarding the project but has yet to receive a reply. The governor’s office has also been asked for comment.

While Morgan acknowledges the merit of wildlife crossings, he emphasizes both cost and accountability issues, particularly as this crossing stands to be California’s priciest.

“If Congress thinks these bridges are beneficial, I agree. But we don’t have to spend $114 million to make it happen,” he suggested.

Beth Pratt, a representative for the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing and a staunch environmental advocate, countered on social media, contending that many criticisms miss critical facts and offer an incomplete narrative.

In her defense, she pointed out that the construction cost hikes reflect broader national trends, citing a 67% rise in highway construction expenses since 2021.

Pratt also mentioned setbacks caused by severe flooding but insisted the project is now progressing as planned.

Nevertheless, Morgan has raised alarms about the overarching spending oversight problems in California, advocating for a closer look at how funds are allocated.

“California is pretty efficient at dispensing cash,” he noted. “What we struggle with is holding those who receive those funds responsible.”

During recent discussions with mayors from mid-size cities, he inquired about their experiences with state audits. Their answer was enlightening: a resounding no.

He added that numerous nonprofits receiving state funds operate under similar lax oversight, emphasizing the need for accountability.

“In the private sector, ensuring financial integrity takes months of collaboration between management and auditors,” he explained. “That level of diligence often doesn’t exist in public funding.”

Despite acknowledging existing enforcement powers, Morgan expressed frustration over their underutilization, stating, “We simply lack the determination to prevent misuse.”

He referenced instances of fraud linked to public spending, suggesting that these issues extend far greater than individual projects.

“Many of these cases were never prosecuted at the state level; they were federal cases instead, revealing that a significant portion of funds—about 70%—were misappropriated.”

For Morgan, wildlife crossings symbolize more than just infrastructure; they serve as a litmus test for larger systemic issues in state spending practices. He criticized the automatic tendency to overspend without adequate oversight.

He speculated that potential financial interests and agreements might have played roles in inflating costs related to the bridge project, which he deemed emblematic of a flawed business model.