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IPFS News Link • Trump Administration

Border wall bids include tourist attraction, solar panels

• https://www.apnews.com

SAN DIEGO (AP) — Tuesday was the deadline for companies to propose designs for President Donald Trump's border wall with Mexico. U.S. Customs and Border Protection will ask several of the bidders to build prototypes in San Diego.

The government won't identify companies until contracts are awarded around June 1 — and even then, only the winners — but some bidders released plans on their own.

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SOLAR PANELS

Gleason Partners LLC of Las Vegas proposes solar panels to cover sections of the wall.

The panels would provide electricity for lighting, sensors and patrol stations along the wall. Sales of electricity to utilities could cover the cost of construction in 20 years or less, according to the company. Power could also be sold to Mexico.

"I like the wall to be able to pay for itself," said managing partner Thomas Gleason.

This undated rendering provided by Gleason Partners LLC shows shows sections South Side (Mexico) connected like a snake along the border. (Gleason Partners via AP)

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TOURIST ATTRACTION

Crisis Resolution Security Services Inc. of Clarence, Illinois, proposes a wall that is 56 feet (17 meters) high and 22 feet (7 meters) wide at the top — with plenty of room to allow tourists to enjoy desert views.

The height — nearly twice what the government envisions — would deter climbers, and its width would give the structure longevity, said chief executive officer Michael Hari.

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NUCLEAR WASTE

Clayton Industries Inc. of Pittsburgh proposes storing nuclear waste along the wall in trenches that are at least 100 feet (30 meters) deep.