Fact Check: Texas Border Wall Program Could Take 30 Years and Cost Over $20 Billion
What We Know
The claim that the Texas border wall program could take 30 years and cost over $20 billion is rooted in statements made by officials and reports from credible sources. According to the Texas Tribune, the wall's construction is progressing at a rate of approximately half a mile per week. As of July 2024, the state had completed about 34 miles of the wall, indicating that at this pace, the total project could indeed extend over 30 years. The projected cost of the wall has been estimated at around $20 billion, which aligns with the funding appropriated by the Texas legislature and the Governor's Office, totaling approximately $2.5 billion so far (Texas Facilities Commission).
Analysis
The evidence supporting the claim comes from multiple reports and official statements. The Texas Facilities Commission has provided updates on the progress of the wall, noting that as of April 2025, 61.8 miles had been completed, with ongoing construction at various locations (Texas Facilities Commission). However, the assertion that the project could take 30 years is based on the current construction rate and the total length of the wall planned, which is significantly longer than what has been completed to date.
The reliability of the sources is generally high, as the Texas Facilities Commission is a government entity responsible for overseeing the project, and the Texas Tribune is a reputable news organization known for its investigative journalism. However, it is important to consider potential biases; the Texas Tribune has reported critically on the state's border wall program, which could influence the framing of the cost and timeline estimates.
While the claim is grounded in factual reporting, it is also speculative, as construction timelines can change due to various factors, including funding availability, legal challenges, and logistical issues. Therefore, while the estimates provided are based on current data, they may not accurately predict the final outcome.
Conclusion
The claim that the Texas border wall program could take 30 years and cost over $20 billion is Partially True. The assertion is supported by credible sources that outline the current progress and estimated costs. However, the timeline is contingent upon many variables that could alter the pace of construction and overall expenses. Thus, while the claim reflects a plausible scenario based on current data, it remains speculative and subject to change.
Sources
- Texas Facilities Commission - Texas.gov
- Texit: entenda o movimento separatista do Texas - Revista Fórum
- Texas quietly defunds state border wall program - Texas Tribune
- Proposed border wall could take 30 years and $20 billion to finish - YouTube
- Gov. Abbott's border wall will take around 30 years, $20B - Texas Tribune
