Friday April 16, 2010



Border Patrol, NPS build new housing



Special to the Avalanche—

Officials of the National Park Service and the U.S. Border Patrol, joined by local and county officials and area residents, gathered in Big Bend National Park recently to break ground for new housing in the park.

The housing, which is being built by a contractor for the National Park Service with funds provided by the U.S. Border Patrol, will be occupied by agents assigned to the park.

The park service is building two new duplexes and renovating three existing houses for park employees. It also includes the construction of single-family residences or duplexes at Panther Junction, Castolon or Rio Grande Village. A total of eight residences will be built.

BBNP Supt. Bill Wellman and Border Patrol Marfa Sector Chief John J. Smietana Jr. spoke of efforts necessary to get the project under way. They were joined by Chief Ranger Allen Etheridge and Brewster County Judge Val Beard, and all discussed the collaborative effort and increased security that will result in more Border Patrol agents being stationed in the park.

Also participating in the ceremony were Jane Brown, who accompanied teacher Peggy Lipscomb and students from San Vicente Elementary School in singing the national anthem. Jesse Portillo provided the invocation, and the Marfa Sector Honor Guard presented the colors and the department flags.

Also attending were Assistant Chief Patrol Agent Frank Blauvelt, representing Border Patrol headquarters; Paul Baranowski and John Schoffstall from Customs and Border Protection in Dallas and Washington; and state and local law enforcement personnel.


http://www.alpineavalanche.com/articles ... news01.txt