At half a mile a week, Gov. Greg Abbott’s border wall will take around 30 years and $20 billion to build

Introduction

Three years after Gov. Greg Abbott announced Texas would build a state-funded wall along the Mexico border, only 34 miles have been constructed

The wall, costing $25 million per mile, is not contiguous and spans bits across six counties. It's part of a $3 billion state border security initiative

Cost and Coverage

Abbott's administration has built more wall mileage in Texas than the Trump administration, aiming for 100 miles by 2026

Comparison with Trump Administration

Land Acquisition Challenges

Progress hinges on securing land rights. Texas has obtained 79 easements for 59 miles, with ongoing negotiations for more land

 Financial Concerns

vDespite high costs, Republicans continue to fund the wall. Total expenses could reach $20-24 billion, raising concerns about fiscal responsibility.

Political Debate

Democrats and immigration advocates argue the wall won't solve the root causes of migration, urging investments in education and healthcare instead.

Operational Hurdles

Constructing the wall involves complex engineering due to changing soil conditions, agricultural land, weather, and other factors.

 Future Prospects

Without eminent domain, securing land remains a major hurdle. Officials aim to build half a mile of wall per week, targeting 805 miles by 2050.

Conclusion

While progress is made, the Texas border wall faces significant financial, political, and logistical challenges, making its completion a long-term endeavor.