US Awards $73M Contract for Border Wall Work in New Mexico

AP via US News and World Report ^ | Feb. 28, 2018 | SUSAN MONTOYA BRYAN

[BeauBo]

“could you describe phases two and three for us?”

They can always (and likely have) change the plan (like Trump recently said they would defer segments in California, until the whole wall is funded), the original plan that was leaked last year was:

Phase One. The first phase would be the smallest, targeting sections covering 26 miles (42 km) near San Diego, Calif.; El Paso, Texas; and in Texas’s Rio Grande Valley.

Phase Two. 151 miles (242 km) of border in and around the Rio Grande Valley; Laredo, Texas; Tucson, Ariz.; El Paso, Texas and Big Bend, Texas.

Phase Three. Up to an unspecified 1,080 miles (1,728 km), essentially sealing off the entire U.S.-Mexico border.

It is basically doing the high traffic urbanized areas first, and then extending into the more rural stretches later. They have been taking their priorities from the customer (DHS/CBP), based on their experience (arrests, seizures, assaults on officers).

[9YearLurker]

How does 1,080 miles effectively seal off the whole US-Mexico border?

[deport]

How does 1,080 miles effectively seal off the whole US-Mexico border?

*************

I think they are adding that to the existing border fencing.

[9YearLurker]

So far it seems like what they are doing is replacing lots of usually pathetic attempts at barriers, and counting that as miles of “walls”.

Now, if they replaced those weak barriers and additionally added 1,080 miles of new wall—that indeed would go a long way to securing the border in that sense.

[BeauBo]

"How does 1,080 miles effectively seal off the whole US-Mexico border?"

Along with the earlier 26 and 150 miles of the earlier phases, the total is about 1,250 miles of strong barrier, out of a 1,950 mile total border.

I assume they mean that the remaining 700 miles is so rugged and remote, that it delays/deters even more than a thirty foot wall. Nothing is impenetrable, but 1,000 or 1,250 miles of strong barrier strategically positioned, manned by a strong Border Patrol equipped with the right equipment and technology, can effectively control the border (no remaining safe or easy routes).

For example, this stretch of the Rio Grande River border in Big Bend, is more challenging than a 30 foot wall:

[OrangeHoof]

Never mind the Bollards. Where are the (***) Pistols?

[BeauBo]

“Never mind the Bollards. Where are the (***) Pistols?”

Along with a lot more (and better) barrier, the Trump Administration is also requesting a long term expansion of the Border Patrol by 5,000.

It comes down to getting the money from Congress.

[BeauBo]

I'd guess that segment RGV-001 on this map is likely the next contract to be awarded in May.

It looks like the approach in the tough twisted river flood plain, will be to back off the barrier a few hundred yards to a mile from the current river bank. That will allow a straighter barrier, easier to monitor and patrol, with a large enforcement zone. That requires buying/condemning the land, but once it is done, is is a powerful long term control measure.

[deport]

According to our new map, there are 700 miles of fence along the U.S.-Mexico border –
a Customs and Border Protection spokeswoman recently said the total is 702, so our
tally is very close to the agency’s. However, in some high-traffic spots, there are two or
three layers of fence in one place, leaving somewhere between 652 and 690 miles of the
border actually covered by fence.

https://www.revealnews.org/article/the-wall-building-a-continuous-u-s-mexico-barrier-would-be-a-tall-order/

[deport]

Color indicator for the above map

The U.S.-Mexico border fence system today. Pedestrian fence
is colored dark orange, vehicle fence in light orange.

[BeauBo]

I think that the Trump Administration has shown wise use of its investment in tactical infrastructure so far, and will make wise allocation of future dollars.

It is down to the funding, because we have good plans, good designs, and good management.

Shovel ready.

[9YearLurker]

It’s also beautiful—though of course not nearly 700 miles long.

[LOVETRUMP]

Dear Trump,

No more excuses— just build the wall and be done with it. This is the main reason you were elected and Americans are eagerly watching that you keep your campaign promises.
ONLY 20 Miles? What am I missing?

[ROCKLOBSTER]

It is too easy to sneak up on a solid wall in an isolated area, put up a ladder, or build a ramp to the top.

They just need the electronic surveillence and an F15 aloft at all times, about 20,000 ft.

They probably already have some up there.

[9YearLurker]

Interesting—thanks!

[ROCKLOBSTER]

It looks like the approach in the tough twisted river flood plain, will be to back off the barrier a few hundred yards to a mile from the current river bank. That will allow a straighter barrier, easier to monitor and patrol, with a large enforcement zone. That requires buying/condemning the land

Ska-rew that!

They should build the wall on the other side and annex the land from Mexico. If they don't like it, they can take it up with the USAF.

Let the border-front ranchers keep their land, and have the water. Mexico deserves to be punished for their part in our problem.

[BeauBo]

“Let the border-front ranchers keep their land, and have the water.”

In the past, they have been able to accommodate ranchers and farmers, by giving farmers codes to gates, that let them continue working fields on the South side, and building culverts to bring water in for ranchers.

Especially in the more built up or urban areas (like much of the Rio Grande Valley) though, I think they would prefer to button it up by owning the land outright, as a big observation/enforcement zone. This is a rare opportunity to get that done.

[BeauBo]

“ONLY 20 Miles? What am I missing?”

Funding from Congress. The Executive Branch is ready to execute.

[BeauBo]

“They just need the electronic surveillence and an F15 aloft”

Border Patrol has their own dedicated Aviation tethered aerostats, but not fighter jets. They could do a lot more with drones, cameras and sensors/alarms; if they were given enough money.

[ROCKLOBSTER]

Just think of the pants-soiling panic, as the fence climbing illegal spots a fighter jet approaching alongside the wall at 650 MPH and 50 feet.

It would give a whole new meaning to the term “wetback”.