Web Posted: 12/29/2008 12:00 CST
Valley still barrier to border fence

By Lynn Brezosky - Express-News

BROWNSVILLE — U.S. Customs and Border Protection has a color map showing the progress on a border fence that isn't quite done — with the Rio Grande Valley the point of lasting stubbornness.

Agency officials are hailing the accomplishments on a barrier that looks vastly different from what many in middle America might envision, saying they will complete 90 percent of their 670-mile, end-of-year goal before President George W. Bush leaves office.

But what was to be one of Bush's bragging points met unforeseen opposition from landowners and city governments clinging to their traditional relationship with the Rio Grande and shared heritage with Mexico.

Many in the Valley sport “No Border Wallâ€