On January 29, 2009, the U.S. Government and Accountability Office released a report which shows that the border fence is costing much more than expected or budgeted. As of October, 2008, 140 miles of pedestrian fencing was completed averaging $3.9 million per mile. In 2006, Congress allocated only $2.2 million per mile for the fence. The most expensive part of the project to date was in San Diego where an area called “Smuggler's Gulch” had to be filled with 35,000 truckfulls of dirt. The average per mile cost in that area could be approximately $16.5 million.

Vehicle fencing has proved less costly than pedestrian fencing. As of October, 2008, costs averaged $1.0 million per mile. As of October, 2008, secondary fencing is costing $2.0 million per mile.

The fence is behind schedule. To read the full report, click here.

By Michelle Richart