From:

To:
(b) (6)
Cc:
(b) (6)
Subject:
(b) (6)
M-1 Issue Paper for Condemnation and Relocation
Date: Friday, March 14, 2008 6:24:45 PM

ISSUE / BRIEFING TOPIC:

In Del Rio, Texas, the M-1 segment (the only segment in Del Rio, Texas for PF-225) currently described as 2.36
miles (previously 3.01 miles) by the Army Corp. of Engineers (ACE) has been realigned on several occasions and
for various reasons (the most current due to flood plain issues and to avoid impacting multiple residents).

DESIRED OUTCOME:
Realign the fence to meet operational objectives.
Maintain positive relations with the City of Del Rio.
No one lives south of the take line.

BACKGROUND:
PF225 project M-1 has 19 properties that are needed for the project, including one owned by the City of Del Rio
(two of these 19 might be avoided under the new alignment). There are 17 buildings (houses, trailers, metal
buildings and travel trailers) on 9 properties between Frontera Rd. and the Rio Grande River. Of these 17
buildings, 10 buildings are occupied by the owners or renters of the property (totaling approx. 25-30 inhabitance).
DHS has contacted all 18 owners of the 19 properties and all are willing and interested in fielding offers from ACE
Real Estate to purchase all or part of their property.

Del Rio Sector originally requested the alignment of the fence to follow the south side of Frontera Rd. OBP and
Border Patrol have recently realigned the fence close to the International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC)
Flood Plain line to affect as few residents and lives as possible. Del Rio Sector has agreed to this alignment to
keep the project moving forward, even though it is not the optimal alignment. Under this new alignment anywhere
from 9 to 13 of the 17 buildings (and possibly 18 to all of the current inhabitants) will fall outside the footprint of
the newly aligned fence.

Most of the properties run from Frontera Rd. to the Rio Grande River. Del Rio Sector would prefer to own
everything south of the Frontera Rd. first and south of the fence alignment secondly. All of the buildings that are
lived in fall outside of, but remain near, the IBWC Flood Plain line (Three buildings are inside the flood plain, but
are not inhabited). It has yet to be determined whether the owners will sell only the property south of the fence
(and keep their living area) or if they will want to sell their property as a whole. It has also yet to be determined by
the Real Estate Appraiser if the remaining property will have any worth after the river-side portion has been sold.
It has also yet to be determined by the Engineers whether it is possible that some of the buildings will have to be
moved or taken down due to their close proximity to the construction area.

Most of our property owners do not want to live next to the fence (with the exception of a few). Most will want to
sell all of their property and relocate. Del Rio Sector anticipates a few exceptions and is willing to entertain
multiple options to avoid the condemnation process with any of the 18 landowners including some of the
following: Del Rio Sector is willing to entertain an easement to build the fence; allow access to graze between the
fence and river; and consider long term leases for grazing rights. Del Rio Sector does not foresee going into the
condemnation process with any landowners in the M-1 project area.

CHALLENGES / CONCERNS:
(b) (6) - Rental house on property that is split away from rest of property by the flood plain. (b) (6)
12/8 Met and seems very interested to field offer on all
(including house) or part.
Building not inside the take line
Approx. 3 occupants
(b) House that family lives in that is split away from rest of property by the flood plain. Young couple that has not given us
any opinion as of yet. Has been co-operative in process and appear to be interested in an offer.
Building not inside the take line
Approx. 5 occupants
(b) (6) Small Travel Trailer (pull trailer) in front of property that an older gentleman lives in and watches the property.
Trailer will be split away from the rest of the property. Business woman in San Fransisco, CA, used to have family ties here but
does not anymore. She will most likely want to sell the property as a whole. Co-worker (b) handles property business for
her. Willing to field offers.
Building not inside the take line
1 occupant
(b) Metal Storage Building (Large Quonset Hut) with foundation, full of hospital beds and junk. Businessman from Acuna,
COAH, Mexico. He is interested in taking offer on all. All of his property but the easement to the road is inside the take line.
Building inside the take line
(b) - Property may be grazed by take line. Lives in Wimberly, TX. Multiple Tractor Trailers and piles of junk on property
along with large tin roof cover near Frontera Rd. Leased out to a “recycler.” Really concerned that nothing happens to the large
trees by the road. Willing to take offers but very difficult to read. No one lives on property, but there is potential for relocation of
“junk.” Property is just grazed by take line.
(b) (6) Approx. 5 trailers and a metal building. Two are occupied by her family and her mother. Excited to take offers.
Wants to live in town. Property is grazed by the take line.
Building not inside the take line
Approx. 5 occupants
(b) (6) House is used as a rental for parties. Would prefer to keep house. Has been in family for two
generations. Interested in fielding an offer. Take line is very close to the rental house and will probably be needed
for construction.
Building close to the take line
 (b) Mother and two sons live in different trailers and houses and two are rentals that I believe are both
currently occupied. Interested in taking offers on all of the property. (b) (6) is usually who I contact
first. Property has been in family for over 20 years. They ranch goats on the back property. Very interested in
selling out and relocating. Do not seem very interested in dividing up the property or being cut off from the water
spring below the houses and take line. Residents have told us that they are waiting for an offer from the Gov’t
before they spend money on improvements.
Building close to the take line
Approx. 10 occupants
(b) (6) Does not want to move. States that he will sell towards the river. Interested in
offer. He would like to have a retaining wall behind his property rather than a fence.
Building close to the take line
2 occupants
(b) (6) - Has multiple structures on his property: Trailer Homes, Metal buildings, Metal Roofs, Tractor Trailers, ect… (b) (6)
shows some emotional attachment to property. Owned and developed by his father. Businessman in Odesa, TX. Willing to field
offer. Has no attachment to Del Rio. Was very interested and excited when the appraiser came to town, he wanted to show off
property to raise the price. Should be impressed with the appraisal.
Some structures inside take line, some structures not inside take line
City of Del Rio- Multiple structures used as warehouses and abandoned by POE. Mayor working with BP to build fence. We
usually deal with City Manager Francis Rodriguez and City Engineer Robert Parker. The possibility of purchasing the land was
never brought up to the city. Before PF225 we spoke of easements for fence. Previous deal with City to make a Park-like area
inside the fence is still in the works.
Buildings not inside the take line

Following properties have no structures on them:

(b) - No buildings on property. Family lives out of town. Mrs. Ayers is straight forward on views and opinions. 12/4 (b) (6)
met us on property and stated that her mother was willing to sell even though there is sentimental attachment. 2/28
(b) (6) called to find out if BP was still interested in property before she spent money on cleaning it up for future sales.
(b) (6) - No structures except for some cattle pens. He has two separated properties in M-1 project area. Lots of
sentimental ties, has been in family for 75 years, was owned by father who “never sold even a truck of sand off of the property.”
Is hung up on an old INS promise to put RVS site on property to give him a monthly income (project fell through). Uses property
to run cattle. Interested in a monthly lease or sale of easement. Will listen but states that he will not sell all.
(b) - No structures on property. (b) (6) in Helotes, TX. Tried to sell property in the past but ran
into some title problems. Very interested in offers.
(b) No structures on property. (b) (6) is a Realtor in West Covina, CA. Has no family ties in Del Rio. Is willing to field
offers.
(b) - No structures on property. Businessman in Del Rio (b) (6) states that his business partner (b) (6) owns half
the property. 12/5 stated that they bought property for (b) (4) three years prior. Uses property for cattle. Will to take offers.
(b) - No structure on property. Retired Chief of Police in Del Rio. Charlie Bruce used to own the property that
Customs now inhabits and used to live with family on the property. Is willing to take offers. Has recently inquired
if we were interested in purchasing or leasing other land he owns outside of the project area.
(b) No Structures on property. Lives in Del Rio and land has been in family for generations. Called on 2/21 to see if the
gov’t was still interested in the property because he wanted to sell sand off of it. Excited to take offers.

OPTIONS:
• Del Rio Sector is willing to entertain an easement to build the fence; allow access to graze between the fence and
river; and consider long term leases for grazing rights. Del Rio Sector does not foresee going into the condemnation
process with any landowners in the M-1 project area.

RECOMMENDATION:
We have an operational requirement for fencing in this area and must remain steadfast and see the project through
completion.

Ron E. Rowland, SBPA

Del Rio Border Patrol
(830) 778-7117 Office
(830) 703-9140 Cell
(830) 765-4817 Cell
ISSUE / BRIEFING TOPIC:
 In Del Rio, Texas, the M-1 segment (the only segment in Del Rio, Texas for PF-
225) currently described as 2.36 miles (previously 3.01 miles) by the Army Corp.
of Engineers (ACE) has been realigned on several occasions and for various
reasons (the most current due to flood plain issues and to avoid impacting
multiple residents).

DESIRED OUTCOME:
 Realign the fence to meet operational objectives.
 Maintain positive relations with the City of Del Rio.
 No one lives south of the take line.

BACKGROUND:
 PF225 project M-1 has 19 properties that are needed for the project, including one
owned by the City of Del Rio (two of these 19 might be avoided under the new
alignment). There are 17 buildings (houses, trailers, metal buildings and travel
trailers) on 9 properties between Frontera Rd. and the Rio Grande River. Of these
17 buildings, 10 buildings are occupied by the owners or renters of the property
(totaling approx. 25-30 inhabitance). DHS has contacted all 18 owners of the 19
properties and all are willing and interested in fielding offers from ACE Real
Estate to purchase all or part of their property.

 Del Rio Sector originally requested the alignment of the fence to follow the south
side of Frontera Rd. OBP and Border Patrol have recently realigned the fence
close to the International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC) Flood Plain
line to affect as few residents and lives as possible. Del Rio Sector has agreed to
this alignment to keep the project moving forward, even though it is not the
optimal alignment. Under this new alignment anywhere from 9 to 13 of the 17
buildings (and possibly 18 to all of the current inhabitants) will fall outside the
footprint of the newly aligned fence.

 Most of the properties run from Frontera Rd. to the Rio Grande River. Del Rio
Sector would prefer to own everything south of the Frontera Rd. first and south of
the fence alignment secondly. All of the buildings that are lived in fall outside of,
but remain near, the IBWC Flood Plain line (Three buildings are inside the flood
plain, but are not inhabited). It has yet to be determined whether the owners will
sell only the property south of the fence (and keep their living area) or if they will
want to sell their property as a whole. It has also yet to be determined by the Real
Estate Appraiser if the remaining property will have any worth after the river-side
portion has been sold. It has also yet to be determined by the Engineers whether
it is possible that some of the buildings will have to be moved or taken down due
to their close proximity to the construction area.

 Most of our property owners do not want to live next to the fence (with the
exception of a few). Most will want to sell all of their property and relocate. Del
Rio Sector anticipates a few exceptions and is willing to entertain multiple options
 to avoid the condemnation process with any of the 18 landowners including some
of the following: Del Rio Sector is willing to entertain an easement to build the
fence; allow access to graze between the fence and river; and consider long term
leases for grazing rights. Del Rio Sector does not foresee going into the
condemnation process with any landowners in the M-1 project area.

CHALLENGES / CONCERNS:
 (b) (6) Rental house on property that is split away from rest of property by the flood plain.
(b) (6)
12/8 Met and seems very interested to field offer on all (including house) or part.
o Building not inside the take line
Approx. 3 occupants
 (b) - House that family lives in that is split away from rest of property by the flood plain.
(6)
Young couple that has not given us any opinion as of yet. Has been co-operative in process and
appear to be interested in an offer.
o Building not inside the take line
Approx. 5 occupants
 (b) (6) - Small Travel Trailer (pull trailer) in front of property that an older gentleman
lives in and watches the property. Trailer will be split away from the rest of the property.
Business woman in San Fransisco, CA, used to have family ties here but does not anymore. She
will most likely want to sell the property as a whole. Co-worker (b) (6) handles property
business for her. Willing to field offers.
o Building not inside the take line
1 occupant
 (b) a- Metal Storage Building (Large Quonset Hut) with foundation, full of hospital beds and
(6)
junk. Businessman from Acuna, COAH, Mexico. He is interested in taking offer on all. All of
his property but the easement to the road is inside the take line.
Building inside the take line
 (b) (6) Property may be grazed by take line. Lives in Wimberly, TX. Multiple Tractor Trailers
and piles of junk on property along with large tin roof cover near Frontera Rd. Leased out to a
“recycler.” Really concerned that nothing happens to the large trees by the road. Willing to take
offers but very difficult to read. No one lives on property, but there is potential for relocation of
“junk.” Property is just grazed by take line.
 (b) (6) – Approx. 5 trailers and a metal building. Two are occupied by her family and her
mother. Excited to take offers. Wants to live in town. Property is grazed by the take line.
o Building not inside the take line
Approx. 5 occupants
 (b) (6) - House is used as a rental for parties. Would prefer to keep house. Has
been in family for two generations. Interested in fielding an offer. Take line is
very close to the rental house and will probably be needed for construction.
Building close to the take line
 (b) (6) Mother and two sons live in different trailers and houses and two are
rentals that I believe are both currently occupied. Interested in taking offers on
all of the property. (b) (6) is usually who I contact first. Property has
 been in family for over 20 years. They ranch goats on the back property. Very
interested in selling out and relocating. Do not seem very interested in dividing
up the property or being cut off from the water spring below the houses and take
line. Residents have told us that they are waiting for an offer from the Gov’t
before they spend money on improvements.
o Building close to the take line
Approx. 10 occupants
 (b) (6) Does not want to move. States that he will sell
towards the river. Interested in offer. He would like to have a retaining wall
behind his property rather than a fence.
o Building close to the take line
2 occupants
 (b) (6) Has multiple structures on his property: Trailer Homes, Metal buildings, Metal Roofs,
Tractor Trailers, ect… (b) (6) shows some emotional attachment to property. Owned and
developed by his father. Businessman in Odesa, TX. Willing to field offer. Has no attachment
to Del Rio. Was very interested and excited when the appraiser came to town, he wanted to
show off property to raise the price. Should be impressed with the appraisal.
o Some structures inside take line, some structures not inside take line
 City of Del Rio- Multiple structures used as warehouses and abandoned by POE. Mayor
working with BP to build fence. We usually deal with City Manager Francis Rodriguez and City
Engineer Robert Parker. The possibility of purchasing the land was never brought up to the city.
Before PF225 we spoke of easements for fence. Previous deal with City to make a Park-like area
inside the fence is still in the works.
o Buildings not inside the take line

Following properties have no structures on them:

 (b) (6) No buildings on property. Family lives out of town (b) (6) is straight forward on
views and opinions. 12/4 (b) (6) met us on property and stated that her mother
was willing to sell even though there is sentimental attachment. 2/28 (b) (6) called to find
out if BP was still interested in property before she spent money on cleaning it up for future
sales.
 (b) (6) No structures except for some cattle pens. He has two separated properties
in M-1 project area. Lots of sentimental ties, has been in family for 75 years, was owned by
father who “never sold even a truck of sand off of the property.” Is hung up on an old INS
promise to put RVS site on property to give him a monthly income (project fell through). Uses
property to run cattle. Interested in a monthly lease or sale of easement. Will listen but states
that he will not sell all.
 (b) (6) No structures on property. (b) (6) in Helotes, TX. Tried to
sell property in the past but ran into some title problems. Very interested in offers.
 (b) (6) - No structures on property. (b) (6) is a Realtor in West Covina, CA. Has no family
ties in Del Rio. Is willing to field offers.
 (b) (6) - No structures on property. Businessman in Del Rio. (b) (6) states that his business
partner (b) (6) owns half the property. 12/5 stated that they bought property for
(b) (4) three years prior. Uses property for cattle. Will to take offers.
  (b) (6) - No structure on property. (b) (6) (b) (6)
used to own the property that Customs now inhabits and used to live with
family on the property. Is willing to take offers. Has recently inquired if we were
interested in purchasing or leasing other land he owns outside of the project area.
 (b) (6) - No Structures on property. Lives in Del Rio and land has been in family for
generations. Called on 2/21 to see if the gov’t was still interested in the property because he
wanted to sell sand off of it. Excited to take offers.

OPTIONS:
 Del Rio Sector is willing to entertain an easement to build the fence; allow access to
graze between the fence and river; and consider long term leases for grazing rights.
Del Rio Sector does not foresee going into the condemnation process with any
landowners in the M-1 project area.

RECOMMENDATION:
 We have an operational requirement for fencing in this area and must remain
steadfast and see the project through completion.