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Board weighs moving airport wildlife fencing up to 2027 as FAA funds become available
Summary
Townsend Airport Board reviewed a consultant email recommending 9-foot wildlife deterrent fencing to address deer on runways, learned of roughly $940,000 in FAA non-primary entitlement funds potentially available in 2027, and agreed to discuss shifting the fencing project earlier in next month’s CIP agenda.
Townsend Airport Board members discussed accelerating a wildlife-deterrent fencing project after a written update from consultant Lance Bauser of Robert Feshy & Associates. Chair (S1) read Bauser’s email noting frequent deer crossings near the runway and that a 9-foot fence is eligible (though not mandatory) at non‑commercial general-aviation airports.
Bauser’s email — read aloud by the chair — included an estimate that the airport could have about $940,000 in FAA entitlement funds available in 2027 and that the FAA is behind on new instrument-approach procedure development, likely delaying related work by about three years. The chair read the passage saying, “you have 940,000 of FAA grants available in 2027.”
Committee member (S3) framed the fencing as a safety priority: “it’s a safety issue,” and urged moving the project earlier given recent reports of deer and concerns about unauthorized access to airside pavements. Board members discussed estimated costs: the consultant’s rough figure for fencing was $760,000 and the next CIP item after fencing is an AWOS system estimated at $375,000.
Board members raised trade-offs if the fencing is moved to 2027, including the local 10% match typically required for FAA grants, and whether using non‑primary entitlement funds would push other projects (such as AWOS) later in the CIP schedule. The board did not adopt a change at the meeting but agreed to place the CIP timing and use of FAA entitlement funds on next month’s agenda for a formal decision.
The board also noted practical design items that would be part of the project: full perimeter fencing with cattle-guard vehicle entrances, electronic gates, and five-foot chain-link fencing in terminal/hangar areas to prevent unauthorized access to ramp and runway pavements.
Next steps: staff will seek clarification from Lance Bauser on the $940,000 figure, gather detailed cost estimates, and return with a proposed CIP amendment and funding-impact analysis at the next meeting.
