“what’s your take on Gov Abbott’s proposal to build the wall?”
I think it is a reasonable effort on the State’s part - they have a responsibility to secure their citizens and property, and uphold the law. I doubt that the State alone would be able to muster the resources needed to fully secure the border, like the FedGov could.
“how much remains open in Texas?”
Texas has 1,250 miles, out of 1,950 miles of the Southern Border. Probably only about 100-150 miles has effective barrier. 200-300 more miles is pretty desperately needed (Rio Grande Valley and Laredo Sectors, and border cities where the highways cross). Texas did get some excellent Trump barrier around El Paso, Texas, way up North
how far down the border would $1bb get him?”
It depends on what features they buy. Basic bollards and patrol road on dry flat stretches can be as low as $4 million per mile. Hurricane-rated flood control barrier system with all the bells and whistles needed in the Rio Grande Valley is more like $20-25 Million per mile.
Not all of that Billion dollars is going to barrier system - it might only be a small part of their program.
I’d say the bottom line is that they can make very significant improvements in targeted local areas, but won’t have enough resources to single-handedly fix the National immigration and drug smuggling problem.
That’s great information beaubo
I appreciate your insight on the border matters.
fyi: after posting my original questions to you, I had to run some errands, and while I was out I heard someone on talk radio say they were setting up a “go fund me” account to help raise money for the wall??
Anyway. It will be interesting to watch the texas wall initiative
Good to hear from you