(July 18, 2008)—About 14 miles of border fencing planned for the Lower Rio Grande Valley could be built in the river's floodplain.

The "movable" fence proposed by the Department of Homeland Security would consist of concrete barriers topped with about 15 feet of tightly woven steel fencing.

The International Boundary and Water Commission is reviewing the proposal.

Commission members want to make sure the fence does not violate treaties with Mexico and could be moved away from the river before it floods.

Along most of the Rio Grande, the fencing intended to help Border Patrol get a handle on illegal smuggling and immigration will run along levees.

However, in three areas where communities abut the river, the Department of Homeland Security plans the "movable" fencing.

Those sites are Roma and Rio Grande City in Starr County, and Los Ebanos in Hidalgo County.