Story perspectives

Bulldozers Enter Big Bend for $1.7 B Project, Outcry Ensues

8/7/2026

Summary

Story summary

U.S. Customs and Border Protection confirmed Southwest Valley Constructors moved bulldozers into Big Bend National Park for a $1.7 billion project.
CBP said crews are grading roads and will not use explosives or a 30-foot barrier.
Rep. James Talarico (D-TX) called the effort a monument to corruption and no-bid contracts, while 140 outfitters, including Patagonia, wrote to Gov. Abbott and Senators Cornyn and Cruz urging a halt to protect river access.

History

Historical Context

President Richard Nixon signed the National Environmental Policy Act on Jan 1 1970, creating the Council on Environmental Quality and obligating agencies such as the EPA and National Park Service to prepare impact statements. Triggered by 1960s crises like the Santa Barbara oil spill, NEPA now reviews about 1,000 park projects annually, driving intense scrutiny of the $1.7 billion bulldozer plan in Big Bend National Park.

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Story summary

U.S. Customs and Border Protection confirmed Southwest Valley Constructors moved bulldozers into Big Bend National Park for a $1.7 billion project.
CBP said crews are grading roads and will not use explosives or a 30-foot barrier.
Rep. James Talarico (D-TX) called the effort a monument to corruption and no-bid contracts, while 140 outfitters, including Patagonia, wrote to Gov. Abbott and Senators Cornyn and Cruz urging a halt to protect river access.

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