Maryland is seeking an initial $60 million in federal funding to help clear debris from the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse. The state transportation secretary, Paul Wiedefeld, has requested Emergency Relief funding for mobilization, operations, and debris recovery. A cargo ship crashed into the bridge early Tuesday morning, resulting in eight construction workers falling into the Patapsco River. Two workers were found dead, four are missing and presumed dead, and one refused treatment. The state’s emergency budget is unable to cover the cost of the cleanup, prompting the request for federal assistance.
Wiedefeld is hoping for a quick release of the $60 million in federal funding to help start the recovery efforts. Plans include removing debris from the river with the assistance of the Army Corps of Engineers so that shipping lanes can reopen. There is a strong emphasis on reopening the Port of Baltimore as it is crucial to the livelihoods of the local community and the economies at large. U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen highlighted the importance of restoring the port to full operation and emphasized the need for swift action to support the recovery process. President Joe Biden has pledged to work with Maryland leaders to provide as much support as possible and has expressed his intention for the federal government to cover the entire cost of reconstructing the bridge.
The estimated initial expense of $60 million is just a fraction of the total estimated cost for responding to the disaster. Following a Maryland Congressional delegation meeting, it was revealed that likely costs exceeded $1 billion, necessitating an emergency supplemental aid package from Congress. The delegation discussed the urgency of securing additional funding to cover the extensive recovery efforts and emphasized the need for federal support. CBS News reporter Scott MacFarlane contributed to the coverage of the ongoing developments in the aftermath of the bridge collapse.
The priority for Maryland officials is to expedite the debris removal process from the Patapsco River in order to reopen the shipping lanes and restore operation at the Port of Baltimore. The state has applied for federal funding to support the recovery efforts and plans to begin the design process for the replacement of the bridge to the port. Cooperation with the Army Corps of Engineers is essential to efficiently clear the debris and facilitate the reopening of the port, which is vital for local and national economies. President Biden has expressed his commitment to securing federal funding for the entire reconstruction of the bridge and has promised to visit Baltimore to assess the situation firsthand and provide additional support.
The aftermath of the bridge collapse has underscored the need for significant financial resources to address the extensive damage and ensure the timely restoration of critical infrastructure. The state of Maryland is grappling with the immense task of recovering from the disaster while also seeking federal assistance to cover the substantial costs involved. The collaboration between state and federal authorities, as well as the support from local leaders and representatives, will be crucial in navigating the challenges of rebuilding the bridge and restoring normalcy to the affected communities. The dedication to securing adequate funding and expediting the recovery process reflects a unified commitment to resilience and recovery in the face of adversity.
