U.S. Customs and Border Protection Awards $309 Million Contract for Border Wall in Arizona

News Summary

U.S. Customs and Border Protection has awarded a $309 million contract to Fisher Sand & Gravel Co. for the construction of a new border wall in Arizona. Covering 27 miles in Santa Cruz County, this project is part of efforts to enhance border security amidst increasing illegal crossings. The initiative seeks to complete segments left unfinished from previous contracts and reflects the ongoing commitment to bolster security measures during a period of heightened challenges in managing border issues.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection Awards $309 Million Contract for Border Wall in Arizona

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has recently awarded a significant contract for the construction of a new border wall, valued at approximately $309 million. This project aims to cover around 27 miles of the border in Santa Cruz County, Arizona, and marks the second contract issued during President Trump’s second term in office.

The contract has been awarded to Fisher Sand & Gravel Co., a well-established company in the construction industry. The funds for this initiative are derived from CBP’s Fiscal Year 2021 budget, reflecting the ongoing commitment to enhance border security in areas with high illegal entry attempts and significant smuggling activities.

Key Features of the Construction Project

The new construction efforts are particularly crucial as they aim to address unfinished segments of the border wall, which were left incomplete following canceled contracts during the Biden administration. The Tucson Sector, where this project will take place, has seen a surge in illegal border crossings and narcotics smuggling, necessitating improved infrastructure to mitigate these issues.

This initiative is a part of the broader strategy by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to enhance border security and support law enforcement in countering illegal immigration and smuggling activities during a time of growing challenges.

Department of Homeland Security Developments

In conjunction with the Arizona project, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem has authorized a new waiver that permits the expedited construction of as much as 17 additional miles of the border wall in Texas, specifically within the U.S. Border Patrol’s Rio Grande Valley Sector. This waiver serves to bypass certain environmental regulations, aimed at quickening the construction process in areas regardless of the usual procedural delays.

This latest waiver marks the fifth such authorization signed by Secretary Noem, underscoring the Administration’s ongoing determination to bolster border security. It utilizes provisions under Section 102 of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996, allowing for streamlined construction procedures while the RGV 02/04/10 Wall Project incorporates roughly 9 miles currently under contract, with the potential for an additional 8 miles in options.

Fisher Sand & Gravel Co. Background

Fisher Sand & Gravel Co., the contractor awarded this substantial border wall project, was founded in North Dakota back in 1952. The company expanded its operations into Arizona during the mid-1990s and has since developed a strong presence across several states, including Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, South Dakota, and Wyoming. This extensive experience in construction positions them favorably to undertake the complexities associated with border wall construction.

As construction commences in Santa Cruz County, stakeholders from various sectors will be closely monitoring the developments. The successful completion of this project will not only contribute to physical barriers against illegal crossings but also serve as a pivotal point in the ongoing discourse surrounding border security in America.

Conclusion

The awarding of the $309 million border wall contract by U.S. Customs and Border Protection signals a continued focus on enhancing security measures along the U.S.-Mexico border. As various initiatives unfold, including the Texas waiver approval and Fisher Sand & Gravel’s contractor role, the effects of these projects on border security and related issues will be critical for communities both near and far from these borders.

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Additional Resources

• KOLD: $300 Million Contract Awarded for Southern Arizona Border Wall
• Wikipedia: Border Security in the United States
• Gila Herald: DHS Awards Contract for New Border Wall
• Google Search: Border Wall Construction
• The Guardian: Trump Border Wall Impact on Wildlife
• Google Scholar: Border Wall Policy
• Nogales International: Federal Plans for New Border Wall
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Border Wall
• Tucson Sentinel: Border Wall Report
• Google News: U.S. Mexico Border Security