Laredo Times

President Donald Trump's administration announced a contract in March for construction of a $180 million segment of border wall in the Rio Grande Valley, the newest step in fulfilling his campaign promise. 

Southwest Valley Constructors Co. was given the contract for 15 miles of barrier in Starr County. This will help connect other parts of the project in Roma, Rio Grande City, Escobares, La Brulla and Salineño, a news release said. 

“This project will include a 30-foot-tall steel bollard wall, all-weather roads, lighting, enforcement cameras, and other related technology to create a complete enforcement zone," the release said. “Construction is anticipated to begin in 2020, pending availability of real estate, in locations where no barriers currently exist.”

Rio Grande Valley is the U.S. Border Patrol's busiest segment. In addition to illegal crossings, it is also the most common sector for drug seizures, Customs and Border Protection statistics said. 

In January, the Webb County Commissioners Court allowed CBP officials the authority to access 15 acres of land stretching from the southern tip of the county.

There are still many landowners and government officials in the area that oppose the barrier between the U.S. and Mexico. For example, The City of Laredo will not allow CBP to access property owned by the city. 

Zapata County, which is next to Webb County, also opposes the wall and voted to not grant the federal government access to the county's property.