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Border Crossing Reopens – Connecting People and Commerce

The gate leading to the river crossing into northern Mexico near the village of Boquillas, Mexico.

A border crossing opened yesterday for the first time since 9/11 – reconnecting Big Bend National Park with Boquillas, Mexico. The opening reunited families and friends and restarted the tourism-driven commerce that once flowed across the border.

Before the border was closed, 300 people lived in Boquillas. Now, just 90 live there.

Marfa Public Radio Reporter Lorne Matalon says the opening is a hopeful development:

"At a time when the landscape of news from Mexico – and especially the bilateral relationship – is complicated and often difficult, this was a very bright spot. This was something that both countries ought to feel good about because the border was shut down in the name of national security that's something that everybody in Boquillas, Mexico understands. But what they don't understand is how a man named Osama bin Ladin came to have such a direct effect on their lives."

You can hear more on this story this afternoon on KUT 90.5 during All Things Considered.

Laura first joined the KUT team in April 2012. She now works for the statewide program Texas Standard as a reporter and producer. Laura came to KUT from the world of television news. She has worn many different hats as an anchor, reporter and producer at TV stations in Austin, Amarillo and Toledo, OH. Laura is a proud graduate of the University of Missouri-Columbia, a triathlete and enjoys travel, film and a good beer. She enjoys spending time with her husband and pets.
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