Border Barrier Gates—Hidalgo and Cameron counties, TX—March 2024

CBP announces the availability of the Final Environmental Stewardship Plan (ESP) for the assembly, installation, operation, and maintenance of 25 automated vehicle gates within gaps of the border barrier along the U.S./Mexico international border in Hidalgo, and Cameron counties, TX.

The project is planned within existing levee barrier, which was constructed in 2008. The gates are automated and range in size from 20-feet wide to 50-feet wide, depending on the types of vehicles accessing the gate.

The Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), pursuant to Section 102(b) of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act (IIRIRA), issued an environmental waiver on October 1, 2019. Although the Secretary’s waiver means that CBP no longer has legal obligations under the laws that are included in the waiver, the Secretary committed DHS to responsible stewardship of the Nation’s valuable natural and cultural resources.

The ESP was prepared following an analysis of the potential environmental impacts associated with the proposed project following coordination and consultation with resource agencies and other interested stakeholders; evaluation of possible impacts; and identification of measures to avoid, minimize, or mitigate impacts. In addition to past public involvement and outreach, CBP has continued to coordinate with various Federal and state agencies during the development of this ESP.