Maryland Governor Wes Moore has announced a $12.5 million program to help Port of Baltimore businesses retain employees following the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge. The program aims to prevent layoffs and support the 8,000 Port workers affected by the bridge collapse. Authorized by emergency legislation, the Worker Retention Program will provide grants of up to $200,000 to eligible entities, including businesses, unions, and trade associations. Businesses must demonstrate efforts to avoid layoffs and maintain workforce hours, rates of pay, and benefits that were in effect before the port slowdown.
The program will allow spending of up to $7,500 per worker on wages or other support, including subsidies for services such as child care and transportation costs. Additionally, businesses can participate in the Work Sharing Unemployment Insurance Program to cover payroll expenses. Other relief programs authorized by the legislation include grants of up to $100,000 for businesses impacted by disruptions at the port. Eligible businesses must show economic and financial injury through a reduction in revenue or increased operational costs. The Department of Commerce: Port of Baltimore Emergency Business Assistance Program is now accepting applications.
Furthermore, a total of $15 million in loans and grants will be available through the Neighborhood BusinessWorks program for businesses affected by the loss of revenue or increased costs due to the Key Bridge collapse. The Small Business Grants Program will offer grants of up to $50,000 to small businesses near the Key Bridge, while the Business Loan Program will provide loans of up to $500,000 to businesses impacted by the bridge collapse or reduction in Port activity statewide. The collapse of the Key Bridge occurred when the container ship Dali struck one of the bridge’s supporting columns, causing the span to fall into the Patapsco River and resulting in the deaths of six roadwork crew members.
