The El Centro Sector built approximately two miles of 30' steel bollard wall west of the Calexico West Port of Entry. The contract was awarded in November 2017, construction started in February 2018 and was completed in October 2018. Credit: DHS

May 3, 2021 - Last week, the Department of Defense released the following statement on the cancellation of all border barrier construction projects paid for with funds originally intended for military missions and projects.

“Consistent with the President’s proclamation, the Department of Defense is proceeding with canceling all border barrier construction projects paid for with funds originally intended for other military missions and functions such as schools for military children, overseas military construction projects in partner nations, and the National Guard and Reserve equipment account,” said Jamal Brown, Deputy Pentagon Spokesman.  “DOD has begun taking all necessary actions to cancel border barrier projects and to coordinate with interagency partners.  Today’s action reflects this Administration’s continued commitment to defending our nation and supporting our service members and their families.”

With this cancellation, unobligated military construction funds that had been diverted from military construction projects will be used for previously deferred military construction projects, allowing some of these critical efforts to move forward as soon as possible.  The Department is reviewing the deferred project list to determine funding prioritization.

The Department will continue to work with its interagency partners regarding any additional steps that should be taken at construction sites affected by project cancellation.
Source: DOD