Wednesday night, Sept. 9, Wiscasset selectmen are set to take up a $75,161 Federal Aviation Administration grant for Wiscasset Municipal Airport. Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao on Sept. 1 announced $12.2 million in awards to Maine airports, including Wiscasset’s. It will fund fencing and a wildlife assessment, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation press release and Airport Manager Rick Tetrev.

Asked about the wildlife assessment, Tetrev said via email Sept. 2, “With all of the federal and state regulations there are now regarding anything that has to do with the environment or wildlife, they want to insure that we don’t have any practices that are endangering the wildlife. (The assessment) is also good to have if we want or need to do any capital improvements on the airport, which is an added benefit to us.”

The grant, sought in 2019, was expected, Tetrev said.

The funding to Maine airports is part of $1.2 billion nationwide, according to the release. “This ... federal investment will improve our nation’s airport infrastructure, enhance safety and strengthen growth in local communities, which is especially important as the economy recovers from COVID-19,” Chao states in the release.

Selectmen will meet at 5 p.m. at Wiscasset Community Center. The agenda lists a motion that would authorize Town Manager Dennis Simmons to enter into the grant agreement with the FAA on the town’s behalf.