Secure Border Initiative Fence Construction Costs

Secure Border Initiative Fence Construction Costs

In November 2005, the Dept. of Homeland Security announced the launch of the Secure Border Initiative (SBI), a multiyear, multibillion dollar program aimed at securing U.S. borders and reducing illegal immigration. The U.S. Custom and Border Protection's (CBP) SBI program is responsible for developing a comprehensive border protection system using technology, known as SBInet, and tactical infrastructure -- fencing, roads, and lighting. This report addresses: (1) the extent to which CBP has implemented SBInet and the impact of delays that have occurred; and (2) the extent to which CBP has deployed tactical infrastructure and assessed its results. Includes recommendations. Charts and tables.

This is the summary of an oral briefing given in response to a mandate in the Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing Appropriations Act, 2009. This mandate required the Dept. of Homeland Security (DHS) to prepare an expenditure plan that satisfied 12 specified conditions, and for the plan to be submitted to and approved by the House and Senate Appropriations Committees before the agency could obligate $400 million of the approx. $775 million appropriated for U.S. Customs and Border Protection fencing, infrastructure, and technology. In response to this requirement, DHS submitted a plan on March 4, 2009." Levine reviewed the plan on whether the plan satisfied the 12 specified legislative conditions. Illustrations.