Houston, Nov 14 (AP) The US government has awarded a USD 167 million contract to build 13 kilometres of border wall in south Texas.

US Customs and Border Protection announced the contract Wednesday.

Construction will begin in February. CBP already announced a USD 145 million award for another 10 kilometres in South Texas' Rio Grande Valley.

Galveston, Texas-based construction firm SLSCO won both contracts.

CBP says it plans to install fence posts on the levee north of the Rio Grande, the river that separates the US and Mexico in Texas, as well as lighting, patrol roads, and the clearing of vegetation.

Environmental advocates warn that construction will damage sensitive areas and endanger wildlife.

President Donald Trump has made the border wall a priority, promising during his campaign that Mexico would pay for it. (AP) CPS

(The above story is verified and authored by Press Trust of India (PTI) staff. PTI, India’s premier news agency, employs more than 400 journalists and 500 stringers to cover almost every district and small town in India.. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)