News Summary
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection has awarded a $309 million contract to Fisher Sand & Gravel Co. for the construction of 27 miles of new border wall in Santa Cruz County, Arizona. This project aims to enhance security in the Tucson Sector, which has seen high levels of illegal entries and narcotics smuggling. Despite the government’s commitment, environmental groups are raising concerns over the potential impacts on wildlife and ecosystems. The construction is expected to begin soon, with ongoing debates about the balance between security and environmental stewardship.
Arizona – The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has awarded a substantial contract worth $309,463,000 to Fisher Sand & Gravel Co. for the construction of 27 miles of new border wall in Santa Cruz County, Arizona. The funding for this significant project will come from CBP’s Fiscal Year 2021 appropriations.
The designated construction area is part of the Tucson Sector, an area that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has identified as experiencing a high number of illegal-entry attempts and considerable narcotic smuggling activities. This announcement coincides with a waiver issued by DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, which allows the bypassing of certain environmental laws to accelerate the border wall construction process.
The waiver obtained may include the suspension of the National Environmental Policy Act and other associated environmental regulations. This contract specifically addresses sections of the border wall that have remained unfinished as a result of previous project cancellations during the Biden Administration.
Characterized as essential for curbing illegal border crossings and the trafficking of humans and drugs associated with transnational criminal organizations, the Tucson Sector is a focal point for efforts aimed at improving border security. Secretary Noem has previously authorized five waivers for border wall construction, indicating a consistent commitment from the current administration towards enhancing security measures at the border.
This upcoming project will encompass areas including the San Rafael Valley and is expected to enhance existing security measures along the border. Fisher Industries, the contractor responsible for the construction, began its operations in North Dakota in 1952 and has expanded into Arizona since the mid-1990s, currently operating in various states across the country.
While the government moves forward with these plans, there is notable public opposition, particularly from environmental groups. Critics argue that the new wall construction will adversely affect wildlife and disrupt natural habitats, raising concerns about the long-term ecological impact of extensive border wall projects. The opposition extends to the broader implications of environmental deregulation that accompanies such projects.
Amid these developments, recent data indicate a decline in border apprehensions, prompting some to question the necessity for further border wall expansion. There are concerns among opponents that the construction efforts may contribute to environmental degradation, threatening endangered species and destabilizing existing ecosystems.
As the project proceeds, it will be critical to monitor both the implications for border security and the potential environmental consequences associated with the construction of the new border wall in Arizona. Stakeholders from various sectors of the community remain engaged in discussions surrounding the balance between national security priorities and environmental stewardship.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Gila Herald: DHS Awards Contract for New Border Wall
- UPI: CBP Border Wall Arizona Environmental Laws Waived
- Tucson Sentinel: Fisher Border Wall Project
- KVOA: New Border Wall Projects in Tucson Sector
- ENR: Noem Waives Environmental Rules for Border Wall
- Wikipedia: Border Security in the United States
