Maryland’s congressional delegation has announced plans to introduce a bill that clarifies the federal government will cover the full cost of rebuilding Baltimore’s collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge. Typically, the federal government covers 90% of the cost for replacing disaster-damaged highways and bridges, with the state covering the remaining 10%. However, exceptions have been made in emergency cases, and the upcoming legislation will ensure that any money recovered from third parties will be used to reimburse federal taxpayers. The total cost of replacing the bridge, which collapsed after being struck by a cargo ship, is still unknown, but estimates suggest it could be around $400 million, depending on design and technology considerations.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg stated that the Biden administration expects federal taxpayers will eventually recover the costs of replacing the bridge, although the process may take some time. Despite ongoing insurance litigation and related processes, the priority is to ensure that funds are allocated to help rebuild Maryland immediately. The collapse of the Key Bridge on March 26, following a collision with the cargo ship Dali, resulted in significant damage and the loss of a roadwork crew. Efforts are currently underway to remove sections of the bridge from the waterway, with salvage divers and cranes on site facilitating the process.
Lt. Gen. Scott A. Spellmon of the United States Army Corps of Engineers informed the congressional delegation and Maryland Governor Wes Moore during a closed-door briefing on recovery efforts at the Capitol. Spellmon highlighted the significant amount of steel and concrete at the bottom of the navigation channel and affirmed a commitment to clearing this debris by the end of May. While immediate access to the Port of Baltimore is being restored through a limited access channel, there are ongoing discussions surrounding additional funding for bridge replacement, with some House Republicans advocating for spending cuts and regulatory waivers to expedite the process.
Maryland lawmakers are emphasizing the importance of bipartisan support for the bridge replacement, urging colleagues to prioritize disaster response over political disagreements. Sen. Chris Van Hollen stressed the need for unity in times of crisis, noting that disasters can impact any state regardless of political affiliations. As efforts continue to clear the bridge debris and restore access to the port, the focus remains on securing necessary funding and resources for the rebuilding process. The introduction of the forthcoming legislation by Maryland’s congressional delegation signals a proactive approach to addressing the aftermath of the Key Bridge collapse and ensuring federal support for recovery efforts.
