FME004255

(b) (6)

Dear (b) (6)

Thank you for your February 7, 2009, letter to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
Secretary Janet Napolitano detailing your concerns regarding the construction of border
infrastructure along the U.S. - Mexico border, and its potential effects on the environment. We
understand the controversial nature of this large construction effort to help secure the Nation’s
borders.

In 2007, in order to meet Congress’ call for the construction of hundreds of miles of new fencing
on the Southwest Border before the end of 2008, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
launched an aggressive construction program. Consequently, before any decisions were made
regarding fence locations, CBP undertook an extensive assessment of alternatives to determine
the most effective means to gain control of the borders. These assessments revealed that in some
locations tactical infrastructure in the form of a fence was required.

Even though CBP needed to move quickly, we did not abandon our commitment to the
environment, and throughout the process of planning and constructing the fence, CBP has
continued to work closely with stakeholders to address concerns. Over the course of planning
the fence construction across the Southwest Border, CBP developed 8 formal Environmental
Assessments under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and an additional 19
Environmental Stewardship Plans (ESPs) to thoroughly evaluate the potential impacts to natural
and cultural resources. CBP prepared and presented for public comment, draft Environmental
Assessments/Environmental Impact Statement for all segments along the Texas border. We held
public open house meetings in several cities in Texas between December 2007 and February
2008 during which we received many comments from the public. These comments were
carefully considered these in our planning efforts and are documented and addressed in the ESPs
posted on the BorderFencePlanning.com website.

In constructing the fence, CBP made numerous changes to the fence style and alignment to
accommodate stakeholder concerns as much as possible. As an example, CBP modified the
fence design along several miles of fence east of El Paso to allow for openings for small animal
passage. We also designed and incorporated special animal passages in the fence within the
lower Rio Grande Valley to
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allow passage of endangered ocelot and jaguarondi. The passages were located in specific
locations as recommended by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service where these cats were most
likely to use the north-south movement. The fence along the border is not contiguous and
consists of numerous, relatively short segments. The majority of the fence segments constructed
is vehicle fence located in more rural areas that does not restrict large animal movement. We
believe the fence has already had a significant effect in reducing illicit traffic across the border,
thus actually protecting land and habitat across the region.

We welcome your engagement in the fence construction efforts and appreciate your comments
and concerns. If you require additional information, please contact Mr. Greg Giddens,
Executive Director, Facilities Management and Engineering, at (b) (6) .

Sincerely,

Eugene H. Scheid
Assistant Commissioner