http://www.wtvm.com/Global/story.asp?S=5987217&nav=8fap

Initial construction begins on vehicle barrier along Arizona's border with Mexico

Jan 25, 2007

TUCSON, Ariz. Construction in under way on a vehicle barrier along the Arizona-Mexico border.

The nine-mile barrier will consist mostly of vertical columns stuck in the ground to block vehicles. It's part of a mix of high-tech and traditional fencing aimed at preventing illegal border crossings.

The Bush administration announced the initiative last year. Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff this month waived environmental regulations and laws so construction on the barrier could begin.

Environmentalists say plans for the barrier contribute to the destruction of a fragile part of the Arizona desert, but won't stop people from crossing the border.