See where the Laredo border wall is planned on newly-released map from the federal government

The federal government on Monday released for the first time a map showing the proposed alignment of the border wall in Webb and Zapata counties. The federal government on Monday released for the first time a map showing the proposed alignment of the border wall in Webb and Zapata counties. Photo: Courtesy Photo: Courtesy Image 1 of / 168 Caption Close See where the Laredo border wall is planned on newly-released map from the federal government 1 / 168 Back to Gallery

The federal government on Monday released for the first time the proposed alignment of the border wall in Webb and Zapata counties, a continuous barrier for 69 miles starting at the Colombia Solidarity Bridge and ending just south of San Ygnacio.

READ MORE: Zapata residents talk border wall as BP seeks permission to survey land

This is a proposed 30-foot-tall steel bollard structure with a 150-foot-wide “enforcement zone” that entails clearing all vegetation between the river and the wall. The maps show a proposed alignment running relatively close to the Rio Grande, following its contours.

It appears to touch areas such as Tres Laredos Park, Father McNaboe Park, the San Ygnacio Bird Sanctuary, and some of the westernmost streets in west Laredo, the Santa Rita neighborhood, El Cenizo and Rio Bravo.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is also seeking comments from the public on the project. Comments may be emailed to laredocomments@cbp.dhs.gov with the subject line “FY20 Laredo Border Wall System Projects” until Tuesday, April 21.

“CBP is seeking your input on potential impacts to the environment, culture, quality of life and commerce, including potential socioeconomic impacts from the approximately 69 miles of CBP-funded border wall system being proposed in Webb and Zapata Counties,” reads part of a letter sent Monday from Paul Enriquez, acquisition, real estate and environmental director for Border Patrol’s Border Wall Program Management Office. Enriquez spoke last month concerning the border wall at a Laredo City Council meeting.

READ MORE: Webb Co. Commissioners vote to allow government access to land for border wall

CBP is seeking fact-based comments that will help the government assess any potential impacts to biological, cultural and natural resources. They are specifically looking to answer the following questions, according to Enriquez’s letter:

Are you aware of threatened or endangered plant or animal species within the area of proposed construction? If so, where?

Are you aware of recreational activities that take place in the area of proposed construction?

Are you aware of possible impacts to businesses? Where are those businesses located?

Are you aware of historical sites or areas of cultural significance located within the area of proposed construction? If so, where?

Do you foresee your day-to-day activities being impacted by the proposed projects?

Are you aware of any studies, data or other information available that would aid in the analysis of potential environmental impacts in the proposed project areas?

Do you have any recommendations for practices the construction contractor should follow to avoid or minimize impacts?

The public may also submit comments to:

U.S. Customs and Border Protection

U.S. Border Patrol Headquarters

1300 Pennsylvania Ave. 6.5E Mail Stop 1039

Washington, D.C. 20229-1100

The names and addresses of those who comment will be part of the public record, the letter states.