TUCSON, Ariz. — Because of a software glitch, the first high-tech “virtual fence” on the nation’s borders remains inoperable, three months after its scheduled debut.
Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff said he is withholding further payment to the prime contractor, Boeing Co., until the success of the pilot project stretching 28 miles near the border southwest of Tucson.
Nine 98-foot towers laden with radar, sensors and sophisticated cameras have been built in an area heavily trafficked by illegal immigrant and drug smugglers. The towers, each a few miles apart, are intended to deter or detect border crossers and potential terrorists, and enhance the ability of Border Patrol agents to catch them.
More testing is expected by early October, Chertoff told the House Committee on Homeland Security this month in Washington.
“We are now looking to begin acceptance testing in about a month,” Chertoff said — meaning the point at which contracting officials give the go-ahead for testing — “and we will then kick the tires again.”
Of Chertoff’s remarks, Boeing spokeswoman Deborah Bosick said only: “We’re working with our customer to solve some remaining technical issues.”
The virtual fence is the first stage of a plan to smother the Mexican and Canadian borders with 1,800 such towers, all aimed at enabling the U.S. Border Patrol to pinpoint crossings and improve their ability to intercept crossers.
About three-fourths of the $20 million cost for the 28-mile project has been paid, homeland security officials said. The fencing was announced as part of a $67 million initial contract awarded last September to Boeing.
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