From: (b) (6)

To: GIDDENS, GREGOR( ; ADAMS, ROWDY (

Cc: (b) (6)
Subject: FW: DRAFT: SBI-All message from Greg re: Waivers
Date: Thursday, March 27, 2008 11:05:38 AM

Good afternoon Greg.

Once the waiver is signed and the roll-out has been initiated, we propose sending an SBI-All message
out to the staff to let them know what is going on.

Provided below is a draft of the proposed e-mail that (b) has crafted for your review.
(6)
Please let us know if you would like any changes made or if there is anything else we can provide.

(b) (6)
Secure Border Initiative
U.S. Customs and Border Protection
(b) (6)
For more information about the Secure Border Initiative, visit www.cbp.gov/sbi or contact us at SBI_info@dhs.gov.

From: (b) (6) )

Sent: Thursday, March 27, 2008 10:46 AM
To: (b) (6)
Subject: DRAFT: SBI-All message from Greg re: Waivers

Hi (b)
(6)
Below is my first draft of the message from Greg to SBI regarding S1’s signing of the waivers.

Please let me know your thoughts.

Best,

(b)
(6)

All SBI:

Secretary Chertoff today decided to exercise his waiver authority to help ensure that two of our vital
projects proceed in a timely manner:

- One waiver covers certain environmental and land management laws where compliance with those
laws or processes could prevent SBI from meeting our mandates to deploy tactical infrastructure
and technology projects.

- The other waiver is solely for the Hidalgo County, Texas levee-border barrier project. In addition to
environmental and land management laws, this waiver addresses other legal and administrative
impediments to CBP and Hidalgo County entering into this mutually-beneficial project together.

Although the Secretary’s exercise of authority means that certain environmental laws will be waived,
please know that DHS is not compromising its commitment to responsible environmental stewardship.
As has always been the case, DHS remains committed to proceeding in an environmentally sensitive
manner and will work closely with the appropriate resource agencies to minimize any adverse impacts
to the environment, wildlife, and historic and cultural resources
Most importantly, for all of us dedicated to achieving our homeland security mission, the Secretary’s
decision lifts a number of impediments standing in our way to help achieve effective control of the
border.

I again thank you for your unparalleled commitment and desire to make this project a success.

Greg G

(b) (6)
Senior Communications Specialist
Secure Border Initiative
U.S. Customs and Border Protection
(b) (6)

For more information about the Secure Border Initiative, visit www.cbp.gov/sbi or contact us at
SBI_Info@dhs.gov.