A federal grant is making it possible for the Claremore Airport to receive a $408,543 upgrade.

The bulk of the funds are being put towards a "game fence" due to the increased problems caused by area wildlife.

Claremore Industrial and Economic Development Authority Executive Director John Feary said the airport has taken advantage of the grant opportunity before. In the past, he said, it has required a 10 percent match, which the city of Claremore and CIEDA typically split. This year, due to the CARES act, the grant is fully funded and requires no match from the city.

"The fence is a 'game fence' designed to minimize wildlife from crossing and loitering on the runway and taxiways. Unfortunately, over the years, we have had multiple 'prop strikes' with wildlife or instances of aircraft impacts with wildlife upon landings. Thankfully, none of these instances have resulted in aircraft occupant injuries," Feary said.

He said the linear footage of fence being installed for this phase of the project is approximately 6,790-feet of 8-foot chain link fencing with a barbed wire overguard.

Because of the grant structure, Feary said the work is being done at no cost to the city.

He said the work is expected to be completed by December, if not sooner.

"The Claremore regional airport is one of the finest examples of a quality regional airport in Oklahoma. The airport serves a large contingent of individual aviators and the needs of many companies in northeast Oklahoma that have multiple facilities in North America," he said. "The quality of the runway, public facilities, shared use spaces, hangar availability accompanied by the region's best priced AvGas and Jet A gives Claremore an advantage in attracting new investment throughout Rogers County."

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