BY LINDA BENTLEY | AUGUST 3, 2011
Arizona collecting donations to build border fence feds won’t build
PHOENIX – SB 1406 went into effect July 20, allowing the state of Arizona to raise funds through tax-deductible donations from private citizens, businesses and corporations across the country to finance the completion of a border fence.
Lack of security along the United States-Mexico border has brought an unparalleled invasion of drug cartels, violent gangs, an estimated 20 million illegal aliens and terrorists into this country with Arizona’s unsecured border the gateway of choice.
Although President Obama stated in a speech on May 10, 2011 that the border fence is “now basically complete,” it is not, said Sen. Steve Smith, R-Dist. 23, author of SB 1406.
However, Smith says it will be soon now that SB 1406 is in effect.
SB 1406 allows the governor to enter into an interstate compact to create a border fence along the Arizona-Mexico border and permits the state to construct the border fence if the governor does not enter into an interstate compact.
The legislation provides for establishing a website (www.buildtheborderfence.com) to raise funds for the fence initiative, which will be held in a separate trust fund account at the Arizona Treasurer’s Office.
In an effort to contain costs, SB 1406 also requires the use of correctional inmates in addition to private contractors to construct and maintain the fence.
Smith noted the signs erected in Arizona by the federal government in 2010, advising U.S. citizens to use caution in areas of their own country due to high levels of drug and human smuggling activity.
He stated, “This doesn’t sound like a safe and secure border.”
In seeking donations for the project, Smith said, “It is at this time in our country's history that you can do your part to help make America safe for future generations. We as a nation can once again show the world the resolve and the can-do spirit of the American people.”
The legislation provides for 100 percent of the funds raised through the buildtheborderfence.com initiative to be used solely for construction and maintenance of the border fence, as administered by the Joint Border Security Advisory Committee.
