Maryland Governor Wes Moore is working to secure support from members of Congress to rebuild the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge, which has been blocking the main shipping channel at Baltimore’s port for nearly two weeks. Moore emphasized that this issue is not partisan, but a patriotic responsibility to support the economic engine of the port, which employs thousands of people. Emergency legislation authorizing the use of the state’s rainy day fund to help port employees was approved and sent to Moore’s desk at the end of the legislative session.
The Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed on March 26 after being struck by the cargo ship Dali, which lost power after leaving Baltimore. Six workers, immigrants from Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador, are believed to have died in the accident, with three bodies recovered so far. Search operations for the remaining victims are ongoing, as the state continues to focus on supporting the families and providing closure. Temporary alternate channels have been cleared, and plans are in place to open a limited-access channel for certain vessels by the end of April, with full capacity expected to be restored by the end of May.
Governor Moore expressed optimism about the progress in reopening channels, noting that two channels are expected to be open within two weeks of the collapse, a timeline that he described as ambitious given the initial situation. Cleanup efforts have been successfully removing debris from the Patapsco River, with salvage divers and cranes on site to help cut out sections of the bridge and clear the waterway. Crews have begun removing containers from the deck and working towards removing sections of the bridge that are hindering the movement of the ship.
The governor’s focus remains on working with Congress to secure support for rebuilding the bridge and ensuring the economic vitality of Baltimore’s port. He is committed to supporting the families of the workers who lost their lives in the collapse and bringing them the closure they need. The recovery efforts are ongoing, with a 24/7 operation in place to search for and recover the remaining victims. The state is dedicated to restoring normal capacity to the port while also addressing the immediate needs of those affected by the tragic accident.
The collaborative effort between state and federal agencies, as well as private salvage companies, has been instrumental in making progress towards reopening the shipping channels and restoring operations at the port. The removal of debris from the river and the ongoing work to extract sections of the bridge show a commitment to resolving the aftermath of the collapse. Governor Moore’s proactive approach to engaging with Congress and ensuring support for rebuilding the bridge demonstrates a dedication to the economic and social well-being of the region, as well as a commitment to honor those who lost their lives in the tragic event.
