Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem signed a waiver to ensure the “expeditious” construction of 17 miles of waterborne barrier in Cameron County, according to a Thursday news release.

The waterborne barrier will be constructed in the Rio Grande in Cameron County within the U.S. Border Patrol’s Rio Grande Valley Sector, the news release stated.

The waiver from Secretary Noem allows the government to bypass the National Environmental Policy Act, which requires stringent environmental reviews before beginning construction, the release stated.

A timeline on construction of the project was not provided.

The release noted that this is the sixth waiver signed by Noem for border barrier construction projects along the Southern border.

“In a continuing effort to gain and maintain operational control of the Southern border, and in support of the President’s Executive Orders, CBP continues to look for innovative ways to achieve this mission,” the news release stated.

According to the release, a “capability gap” in the area is where drug smuggling, human trafficking and other dangerous and illegal activity occurs.

“In response to this gap, CBP has identified the requirement for the construction of waterborne barriers to support the border security mission in waterways,” the release states. 

Acceding to the release, the barriers are intended to create a safer environment for Border Patrol agents, while working as a deterrent for those attempting to illegally cross the river.