$3.9 million per mile for Mexican Border Fence
According to the Wall Street Journal, new figures released by the Government Accountability Office show that the Border Fence with Mexico costs an average of $3.9 million per mile. With over 600 miles already completed, 70 miles remain to be installed. The project has run into serious problems, however. Environmental groups oppose the fence due to the effects on wildlife species’ migration. Local landowners oppose the fence because of the perceived violation of their property rights. One of the most significant problems is the fence’s effectiveness in stopping illegal immigration. Even border fence advocates admit that the fence’s ability to stop illegal crossings is limited.
“…drug smugglers and illegal immigrants continue to breach the fencing that is up, forcing Border Patrol agents and contractors to return again and again for repairs. The smugglers build ramps to drive over the fencing, dig tunnels under it, or use blow torches to slice through. They cut down metal posts used as vehicle barriers and replace them with dummy posts, made from cardboard.”
As President Obama and new Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano settle in, it will be interesting to see what happens with the Border Fence. Click here for the full Wall Street Journal article.
What a waste. That money could be used in so many positive ways. Even without the financial cost, damaging our environment is certainly too high a price for “protecting” our borders. I hope to a reversal of this type of behavior in this administration.
This whole fence idea is so 500 years ago. I can see the response from the Right already – “Good fences make good neighbors.” Haha.
I think we should put Lou Dubs and his people to dig and install the fence instead of wasting our money.