CBP has proposed to design and construct up to 20 miles of new border barrier system in Starr County, TX. The proposed project includes 18-foot high, six-inch diameter bollards embedded into a movable, concrete, jersey barrier-style base. Other system elements of the proposed project include the following:
- An area of 60- to 100-feet wide to accommodate a Functional Class-2 (FC-2) maintenance road and patrol road
- Light poles and lighting
- Gates
- Cameras
- Shelters for fiber optic and close-circuit television (CCTV) equipment
- Erosion and drainage control
- Access roads
- Water for construction and dust suppression purposes
- Laydown yards
From August to September 2023, CBP sought public input on potential impacts to the environment, culture, and commerce, including potential socioeconomic impacts, and quality of life. The comment period closed on September 15, 2023. Substantive comments received will be used by CBP to inform the environmental review of the projects. In 2022, CBP solicited comments on potential impacts for border barrier development in the Rio Grande Valley area. The comments previously submitted, as well as those received during this comment period, will be considered as part of the planning process.