Delay Forecast For Fence At Mexican Border
An article this month in the Washington Post suggests that the much-debated fence along the Mexican border is unlikely to be completed before the Bush administration ends. The delays have been caused by apparently unforeseen difficulties in acquiring land for the fence, and by rapidly increasing construction costs that have depleted the allocated funds for the fence.
Approximately half of the proposed fence has been built, but disputes with remaining landowners have slowed further progress. Budget problems are being caused by the rising construction expenses. Currently the vehicle barriers are costing about $2.8 million per mile, and pedestrian fencing is costing an astonishing $7.5 million per mile.
As always, the administration is blaming Congress, and Congress is blaming the administration for the delays and cost overruns.
