The Barwick LaFayette Airport is seeking a $500,000 grant for fencing to secure the airport runway.

Airport officials have sought a fence for several years, the primary reason being that deer are frequently seen on the runway.

Ron Westbrook co-manages the airport and claims that deer are seen on a weekly basis.

“We have had a few close calls, but fortunately haven’t had anyone hit one,” Westbrook said.

Westbrook witnessed one close call a few years back, in which the deer ran on to the runway out of view of the pilot.

The Arrow Commander twin engine aircraft was approaching for landing at Barwick, and the startled deer “squatted on all fours” as the aircraft missed the deer by only a few feet, Westbrook recounted.

“It could be catastrophic,” Westbrook said, if a fast-moving plane were to collide with a deer.

The airport has also had a problem with children trespassing in years past, riding their go-carts on the runway.

Westbrook said late police chief Charles “Dino” Richardson handled those situations, and the kids have stayed away ever since.

Westbrook also stated that the only thing that has kept the deer away has been the extremely hot weather during this summer.

The grant money for the fence would come from a OneGeorgia Authority Equity Fund if approved by the Georgia Department of Transportation.

Westbrook hasn’t heard if the proposal has been approved or when the project could start.

The 10-foot fence would be nearly two miles long, keeping the wildlife and wild children out of harm’s way.