Where will construction start?
» With features on top to make it impossible to jump over using ladders, hooks or other climbing aids.
» And, heeding Trump’s desire for a “beautiful” wall, that the north, U.S.-facing side be “aesthetically pleasing” and consistent with the surrounding area.
CBP hasn’t yet settled on a material. It has two design categories: reinforced, solid concrete; and undefined, which can include various materials. The main specification for the non-concrete designs is that the barrier be see-through so U.S. border agents can view activities on the Mexico side.
How will it get built?
Construction of a wall over such diverse topography — including mountains, vast canyons, rivers and lakes — will be a historic undertaking.
Trump’s administration has released few details about their approach to construction. The focus for now is on designing, building and testing prototypes. CBP will build several of the prototypes and test them before requesting proposals for the actual wall.
The prototypes will all be built in San Diego, one of the most fortified sections
Trump’s campaign rallies featured a trademark exchange between the candidate and crowd, with Trump asking who would pay for the wall and supporters shouting back in unison, “Mexico!”
That’s easier chanted than done. The Mexican government has firmly objected to that plan, and Trump has for now turned to Congress for funding.
The government estimates the wall will cost about $21 billion.
This week, Trump submitted a proposal to cut domestic spending to pay for the first phase of wall construction. If approved, 2017 appropriations would set aside $999 million for wall planning, design, and construction. His 2018 budget proposal includes $2.6 billion more for that purpose.
Democrats have vowed to fight any effort to have U.S. taxpayers to foot the bill. And some Republicans are voicing concerns over the cost and its potential impact on other budget-related negotiations.
When construction of the wall begins, the Trump administration has said it will focus on two areas: San Diego and Texas’ Rio Grande Valley. In requesting immediate funding from Congress, the administration indicated it seeks $350 million for construction in San Diego and $500 million for work near McAllen, Texas.
CBP officials have acknowledged, and experts agree, that the greatest need is in south Texas. The area has seen the biggest spike in Border Patrol apprehensions over the past few years and is one of the busiest drug-trafficking corridors, along with Arizona.