Pentagon approves $1bn for border wall infographic
Graphic shows existing border fence, and details of pedestrian fencing.
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U.S.

Trump’s border wall gets $1 billion funding

By Mike Tyler

March 27, 2019 - The Pentagon has authorised up to $1bn to build part of the wall along the U.S.-Mexico border, the first funds designated for the project under President Donald Trump’s national emergency declaration.

A Pentagon statement said acting Defence Secretary Patrick Shanahan had “authorised the commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to begin planning and executing up to $1 billion in support to the Department of Homeland Security and Customs and Border Patrol”.

The money would be used to build 57 miles (90km) of 18-foot-high (5.5m -high) “pedestrian fencing”, constructing and improving roads, and installing lighting within the Yuma and El Paso sectors of the border, according to Bloomberg News.

The decision marks the latest development in President Donald Trump’s push to shift funds to build the border wall that was a central promise of his 2016 campaign after Congress refused to provide the money.

Sources
PUBLISHED: 28/03/2019; STORY: Graphic News
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