VA HB597

Establishes the Wildlife Corridor Grant Fund as a special nonreverting fund in the state treasury to provide grants for projects that conserve or enhance wildlife corridors and associated wildlife crossing infrastructure

Allows voluntary contributions to the fund through individual income tax refund designations and during Department of Motor Vehicles electronic transactions

Eligible grant applicants include state agencies, metropolitan planning organizations, localities, regional transportation authorities, Indian tribes, nonprofit entities, and academic institutions

Grant criteria prioritize projects that further the Wildlife Corridor Action Plan, reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions, connect protected conservation areas, benefit endangered or threatened species, and leverage federal funding

Requires the Director of the Department of Wildlife Resources to submit a biennial report to the General Assembly by November 1 of each odd-numbered year detailing funding received, grants awarded, and project progress including wildlife usage data