Hidalgo County 'clarifies' wall stance
EDINBURG — Hidalgo County commissioners reiterated their opposition to the construction of a border wall Tuesday but warned that the federal government has yet to fully certify the levees that could be reinforced if the physical barrier between the United States and Mexico is built.
Commissioners voted unanimously to send a second letter to U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul, chairman of the Homeland Security Committee; Secretary of Homeland Security John Kelly; and members of the Texas delegation to clarify a letter they sent about one month after President Donald Trump took office.
Commissioners, through their positions with Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1, sent the first letter to the same recipients, appearing to indicate support for the construction of a barrier that could serve as a flood control mechanism.
But commissioners worried they had not made their opposition to the border wall clear enough for the community or the recipients of the first letter, so they voted Tuesday to send a clarification. While the first letter spoke of the potential economic stimulus and job growth, the other highlights the potential loss of trade and wildlife.
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