PHOENIX (KGUN) — Governor Doug Ducey’s office says it’s tired of waiting for the federal government to close gaps in the border wall.
So, the state is moving to close one of the gaps in a matter of days.
🆕
— Doug Ducey (@DougDucey) August 12, 2022
We issued an Executive Order directing the Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs to immediately fill the gaps in the Yuma border wall. pic.twitter.com/ZElkH0x39X
It is working to stack shipping containers in a thousand foot gap near Yuma and topping the steel boxes with razor wire.
State authorities confirm they do not have formal federal permission to install the barriers, but they explain by now, the Border Patrol has seen the materials arriving to be installed at the spot.
They also add in other meetings, Border Patrol agents have said they did not understand why the state would not move on its own to close the gaps.
Governor’s representatives confirm the federal government has requested its own contract proposals to close the gap, but the process has simply taken too long.
HAPPENING NOW: Construction begins on a physical barrier at the Yuma portion of the border
— Doug Ducey (@DougDucey) August 12, 2022
🔸60 double-stacked shipping containers, welded shut
🔸Topped with 4 feet of razor wire
🔸Height: 22 feet
🔸Weight: 8,800 lbs pic.twitter.com/VQmYIynf8U
The installation is expected to cost the Arizona state budget about $6 million. The work could be complete in as soon as two weeks.
Governor candidate also commented on the matter. She spoke favorably of the Gov. Ducey's actions.
I am pleased @DougDucey has taken a key part of my platform to Secure the Border & use the power reserved to each State to protect its people and borders.
— Kari Lake for AZ Governor (@KariLake) August 12, 2022
I thank the Legislators who funded it & I will promptly complete my plan when I take office. That is a promise. pic.twitter.com/NAKajvUP9L
RELATED: AZ says busing migrants to DC cost more than $3 million
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Craig Smith is a reporter for KGUN 9. With more than 40 years of reporting in cities like Tampa, Houston and Austin, Craig has covered more than 40 Space Shuttle launches and covered historic hurricanes like Katrina, Ivan, Andrew and Hugo. Share your story ideas and important issues with Craig by emailing craig.smith@kgun9.com or by connecting on Facebook and Twitter.
