Maryland Governor Wes Moore has called for bipartisan cooperation to secure federal funding for the reconstruction of the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore‘s harbor.
The bridge collapse, which occurred early on Tuesday morning, resulted in the tragic deaths of six road workers when a large container ship lost power and collided with a support pylon.
The impact caused a significant portion of the bridge to crash into the Patapsco River, obstructing the shipping channel of the Port of Baltimore, the largest in the U.S. for “roll-on, roll-off” vehicle imports and exports of farm and construction equipment.
The Biden administration swiftly released $60 million in emergency aid to assist in cleaning up the debris and reopening the port, which supports the livelihoods of approximately 15,000 individuals reliant on its daily operations.
However, the final cost of rebuilding the bridge is estimated to exceed $2 billion, posing a significant financial challenge.
Governor Moore emphasized the necessity of bipartisan support in Congress to expedite the allocation of funds, highlighting the critical role of the Port of Baltimore in driving national economic growth.
He stressed that the reconstruction efforts are not solely for the benefit of Maryland but also for the broader American economy.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg expressed optimism regarding Congress’s willingness to approve the necessary funds, citing the bipartisan nature of infrastructure projects and emergency response efforts.
Despite political divisions, Buttigieg remained hopeful that lawmakers would prioritize the reconstruction in the aftermath of the tragedy.
Efforts to remove debris from the collapsed bridge began promptly, with officials working tirelessly to mitigate the impact on marine traffic and establish alternate routes for essential vessels.
However, hazardous conditions and logistical challenges have impeded progress, delaying the reopening of the port and the commencement of bridge reconstruction.
