Construction on a section of President Trump’s planned wall along the U.S.-Mexico border began Friday in San Diego, according to local media.
Local news affiliate Fox 8 reported that a section of border wall that features an “anti-climbing plate” will replace about 14 miles of improvised border fencing created from scrap metal.
The section of the wall will begin about a half-mile from the Pacific Ocean, Fox reports, and will stand between 18-30 feet tall.
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Rodney Scott, chief of Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for the San Diego area, told Fox 8 that the construction will improve public safety in the area.
“The construction of this new substantial wall will improve overall border security, the safety and effectiveness of Border Patrol agents, the safety of the public, and will enhance the atmosphere for business and commerce in the area,” Scott said.
Customs and Border Protection’s acting Deputy Commissioner Ronald Vitiello added to the news station that Friday’s launch of construction efforts represents an “important milestone” in Trump’s plan to secure the U.S.’s border with Mexico.
“Under this President’s leadership, we have a renewed commitment to secure our border,” Vitiello said.
“The new primary wall-project represents an important milestone in our work to secure the international border. Not only does it significantly upgrade our existing infrastructure in San Diego, it also marks the third concurrent wall project in the U.S. and reflects CBP’s unwavering commitment to secure our borders and protect our Nation.”
SLSCO, a Texas-based construction company, is managing the construction of the segment of the wall and estimated the cost at $147 million.
Trump himself praised the San Diego construction, as well as simultaneous construction in Calexico, Calif., as the “start” of his border wall when plans were announced in March.
“Great briefing this afternoon on the start of our Southern Border WALL!” Trump wrote on Twitter after the San Diego construction was announced.