San Diego Border Fence Proceeds Slowly (AP)

[Eugene]

Source: Associated Press

San Diego Border Fence Proceeds Slowly

Friday July 13, 2007 10:46 PM

By ELLIOT SPAGAT

Associated Press Writer

SAN DIEGO (AP) - Bulldozers are rolling again on the U.S.-Mexico
border, moving hundreds of tons of dirt to make way for a 16-foot
steel fence in an area that once was the most popular crossing
for illegal immigrants.

But before the construction resumed recently, the 14-mile project
in San Diego was stalled for years by legal challenges from
environmentalists, budget problems and difficulties buying land.
Those delays are now raising doubts about a government plan to
extend fencing to 370 miles of the Mexican border.

The Bush administration, under pressure to tighten border security,
wants all 370 miles done by the end of next year.

“If past experience is any guide, it will cost a lot more than anyone
expected and take a lot longer than anyone is talking about right
now,” said David Shirk, director of the University of San Diego's
Trans-Border Institute, which studies border issues.

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Read more: http://www.guardian.co.uk/worldlatest/story/0,,-6778523,00.html