There are geographic and physical challenges to building a wall along the U.S. border with Mexico that will be “complex in some areas,” Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke said during a teleconference. The Associated Press said Zinke cited the task of building the wall in Big Bend National Park and along the Rio Grande River, which forms nearly half of the border.
Hundreds of species live within 30 miles of the border including some that are protected under the Endangered Species Act. Zinke said the Interior Department will have a supporting role to the Homeland Security Department, which will be responsible for building the wall and controlling the border. The wall could cost $21 billion, according to a Homeland estimate.
According to E&E News, Zinke told ranchers that the Rio Grande River could be especially challenging. If the United States builds the wall on the river bank, it would cede the river to Mexico but it’s unrealistic to think of building a wall in the middle of the river. Electronic monitors might be more appropriate, Zinke reportedly said. The AP said the border already is flanked by U.S. camera towers and underground sensors as well as 700 miles of fencing in Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California.