Let Texans Do Texas, a newly launched nonprofit, is asking state and federal leaders to create a $2 billion border security fund for the Big Bend region. The group proposes it as an alternative to the Trump administration's border wall plans. The group said it plans to send a letter on Friday to elected officials, including Gov. Greg Abbott and members of the U.S. House from Texas.
Former Texas Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson, a board member of the group, said the group wants to support a solution rather than only oppose the barriers. The group said several county judges and sheriffs in the area back the proposal. Susan Hays, a Democratic candidate for Presidio County Commissioner and a board member, said the region needs input from local communities. The group said the federal government plans to spend more than $7 billion on border barriers in the region, which it said accounted for 1.3% of apprehensions along the southwest border last year.
The draft federal legislation in the letter calls for a "Permanent Trust for Big Bend Region Border Security." It asks Congress to halt construction of the Big Bend wall, cancel awarded contracts and fund the trust with $2 billion. The funds would support items such as road improvements, equipment, communications and drones. The participating counties are Hudspeth, Culberson, Jeff Davis, Presidio, Brewster, Terrell and Val Verde. Patterson said the Governor, Lieutenant Governor and Speaker would appoint board members.