Arizona wants to build own border fence

PHOENIX, May 17 (UPI) -- Arizona officials are trying to work out how to build their own border fence when much of the area belongs to the U.S. government and Indian tribes.

The state Legislature passed a law authorizing the fence, The Arizona Republic reported. The law, which takes effect July 20, requires the fence to be funded by private donations and for construction to be approved by landowners.

President Obama said last week the border fence between the United States and Mexico is "now basically complete." But only one-third of the 370-mile Arizona section of the border has the substantial fence the state Legislature envisages -- high and solid, designed to keep out people on foot.

State Sen. Steve Smith, a Republican, disagrees with Obama.

"That's an insult and a lie," Smith said. "Look at what constitutes a fence: two sticks and barbed wire throughout a large portion of the border in Arizona."

Smith is not optimistic the U.S. government will be helpful.