Texas Businesses Warn Trump's Border Barriers Threaten Their 'Livelihoods'
The business leaders are warning much of Big Bend's tourism could be lost if access to the Rio Grand is cut off.
More than 140 Texas businesses, including outfitters, recreation groups, and local enterprises, have joined forces to warn the Trump administration against its plans to construct vehicle barriers and roads through Big Bend National Park. In a letter addressed to the state’s Republican Senators John Cornyn and Ted Cruz, along with Governor Greg Abbott, the coalition of local officials and outdoor businesses argues that the project would irreparably harm the region’s tourism economy and provide little additional security benefit.
Billy Bartko, owner of Far Flung Outdoor Center, emphasized that access to the Rio Grande is crucial to their survival, highlighting that the region’s economy relies heavily on tourism from outdoor activities. The group contends that the barriers would obstruct key launch and take-out points for commercial outfitters and recreational visitors, potentially ending commercial and recreational river-running activities that drive tourism in Big Bend National Park and the Rio Grande Wild and Scenic River corridor.
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