MCALLEN – The deployment of thousands of troops to the U.S.-Mexico border is underway.

CHANNEL 5 NEWS wanted to find out what this means for the Rio Grande Valley’s economy.  

Francy Jones with Castle Hospitality, a company responsible for four hotels in the Valley, says they’ve been busy but expects to see more activity by Monday of next week.

“Minute by minute we’re getting reservations. And next week, especially, we’re seeing very, very busy,” she says, “and we’re sold out at all our hotels.”

KRGV’s John Paul Barajas spoke with University of Texas Rio Grande Valley professor Salvador Contreras who says the benefits might only be temporary.

According to the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments, a Washington, D.C.-based think tank, the military deployment to the border could cost taxpayers between $36 million and $88 million. 

Watch the video above for the full story.