Customs and Border Protection announced today that construction has begun on the eight border wall prototypes in San Diego.
The agency had recently announced contract awards to eight companies that would be building the prototypes. There are two types of materials in the prototypes; one is concrete, the second is “other materials.”
The walls that get constructed in the prototype process will be 18-30 feet high. The prototypes must meet U.S. Border Patrol requirements and withstand “destructive testing,” meaning Border Patrol agents will test the wall’s resistance using power tools and other methods they expect border crossers to employ to break through the barrier.
“We are committed to securing our border and that includes constructing border walls. Our multi-pronged strategy to ensure the safety and security of the American people includes barriers, infrastructure, technology and people, said Ronald Vitiello, acting deputy commissioner, U.S. Customs and Border Protection. “Moving forward with the prototypes enables us to continue to incorporate all the tools necessary to secure our border.”
CBP said that each prototype will cost an average of $450,000. The total cost for building the prototypes is covered by funds that have already been appropriated for fiscal year 2017.
CBP said it expects construction to be completed within about 30 days.
