Val Verde County court adopts resolution opposing proposed border infrastructure

Val Verde County’s commissioners voted unanimously to adopt a resolution opposing the proposed federal border infrastructure after a series of public comments from local landowners and preservation advocates.

Speakers during the public‑comment period described large clearings, trenching for fiber optic lines and plans for wide easements that they said would harm cultural sites and limit access to private property. Karen Steelman of Timah Archaeological Research and Education Center told the court that “Approximately 62,700 acres of private and public land in Val Verde County will be south of the proposed infrastructure,” and urged the commissioners to pursue a county resolution and continued engagement with federal partners.

Landowner Cole Bridal said the contractor described a 100‑foot easement cleared for a 45‑foot asphalt patrol road and called a blanket approach inappropriate for Val Verde’s varied terrain. “Applying a 1 size fits all mentality to a diverse landscape is absolutely ignorant,” Bridal said. Several residents and ranchers asked the county to press contractors and Department of Homeland Security for clearer maps and promises about road and gate access.

After discussion, the court—Judge (presiding), Commissioner Wardlaw, Commissioner Vasquez, Commissioner Garcia and Commissioner Flores—moved and seconded a resolution of non‑support and recorded a 5‑0 voice vote adopting it. The judge said the court would continue to coordinate with the Texas Border Coalition and federal offices and share posted comment links so residents can submit feedback during the agency comment period.