Napolitano puts border contruction projects on hold
By
Ray Gomez
Story Created:
Sep 17, 2009
Story Updated:
Sep 17, 2009
Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano has put a hold on border construction projects; this after receiving criticism of giving stimulus money to less busy inland ports while bypassing larger busier ports like the ones here in Laredo.
"We need to make sure that these border ports move efficiently, effectively, safe and secure. Because it has an effect not just in the economy but those who live in the border areas."
That was Janet Napolitano after touring the World Trade Bridge back in April of this year.
She heard from city officials first hand about the need for improvements.
"We told her our concerns of security, our concerns for more boots on the ground, more technology, more infrastructure and I think she understands that," but after Napolitano's visit, Laredo never received any money from the stimulus package to better our infrastructure and border security.
"We are the number one inland port and yet we are just getting crumbs."
Napolitano has been criticized after an investigation by the associated press reported that checkpoints in Montana and North Dakota got millions of dollars to renovate their facilities.
While busier, high priority checkpoints...like Laredo, were passed over.
"Like in North Dakota were they gonna get up to 128 million dollars and they re just crossing 10 citizens a day. Its ridiculous."
According to city leaders we need to expand our facilities to better serve this border.
Which sees thousands of crossings every single day.
"One of the biggest complaints from our visitors from Mexico... the waiting lines are just too long."
Recently U.S Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison, who is running for Texas Governor, talked about the need to better our border security system.
"Electronics, cameras are not working and really is throwing money down the rat hole."
Meanwhile city leaders hope this review of Homeland Security's allocation of funding will result in more money for our busy inland ports.
City of Laredo had presented their 12-lane expansion at the World Trade Bridge to secretary of Homeland Security.
Since they didn't receive the money, they are looking at the city's fund to start the project.
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"Lie"re-do said on Saturday, Sep 19 at 9:47 AM
Crumbs?Rat Hole?They know Laredo.They understand where the money does not go.
29368861Hooray Del Rio said on Thursday, Sep 17 at 10:07 PM
The lines are too long,too bad Stay where you belong Mexicans.What a cultural loss though.Mexicans add so much like????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????The crime rate,overcrowding prisons,kids stealing free educations and lunches.Why don't you go to Del Rio where they have the right idea?
29312489Boo Hoo Raul said on Thursday, Sep 17 at 10:04 PM
Raul,it is 10 more people ythat do our country good than all of the Mexicans that crooss every day.Do you see Candians lining up for food stamps,welfare,Laredo's favoriye the LoneStar card?I think not.Do you read about them murdering and molesting and killing Americans drunk driving?I think not.Wake up Raul,there is a reason not to give you more money.Laredo has proven time and time again how to waste it.Nobody takes their freedom of speech away removing papers at their airports .Ring a bell?
29312394Martinez said on Thursday, Sep 17 at 6:21 PM
"One of the biggest complaints from our visitors from Mexico... the waiting lines are just too long." Gee, why don't they just stay home in Mexico then?
29305276la re tardo said on Thursday, Sep 17 at 6:16 PM
i agree keep the Mexicans in mexico let them wait forever and send the rest of the illegal mexican back all they want is a handout name 1 good thing mexico has ever done 1 invention or anything that has benefited mankind please do not say the tortillas
29305104Federal Grab Bag said on Thursday, Sep 17 at 6:13 PM
Looking to dig your hands into some more money for retiremnets?North Dakota is an honest American state.Mexas,not so much.Whatever happened for the plan for Mexas to secede from the Union?Everyone in the other 49 states got their hopes up.Can you imagine the money that would be saved not having to support the illegals that come across every day .Save some money and keep the Mexicans out of the schools like Del Rio.Bravo for them,Laredo why not?Family members.
29305039The Truth Kay said on Thursday, Sep 17 at 6:08 PM
When you say Rat Hole,you must have been at a city coucil meeting.
29304854Run For The Border Raul said on Thursday, Sep 17 at 6:07 PM
Who cares what the Mexicans think coming across Raul,nobody invited them.What does America gain from Mexicans?Drus,illegals to put in jail,illegal babies.You do not see the cANADIANS DOING THAT.tHE MONEY THEY GET GOES TO FINISH PROJECTS.hOW LONG TO BUILD A BRIDGE OVER THE RAILROAD TRACKS,FINISH THE LOOP?mAYBE IF IT WASN'T SKIMMED AND RUN OFF TO mEXICO YOU WOULD GET A SHARE.Texico laredo does not need it.How many of those trucks that you talk about crossing daily are empty.Go back to Mexico.
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