President Joe Biden will be visiting Baltimore to survey the damage caused by the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge last week. The collapse occurred when a cargo ship crashed into the bridge, resulting in the deaths of six construction workers. Four of the victims’ bodies are still missing and believed to be trapped in the wreckage. Biden has been leading a government response to the disaster, working with local officials to address the situation.
The White House press secretary, Karine Jean-Pierre, confirmed the timing of Biden’s visit and stated that he is coordinating with Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, the state’s congressional delegation, and Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott to reopen the port, rebuild the bridge, and support the people of Baltimore. Biden had previously pledged that the federal government would cover the costs of clearing debris and reconstructing the bridge, which may also involve funding from the Federal Highway Administration and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, with additional support needed from Congress.
The collapse has had a significant impact on Baltimore’s port operations, leading to the closure of the port and affecting approximately 8,000 jobs with $2 million in daily wages. Prior to the collapse, the port handled between $100 million and $200 million worth of trade each day and was a key hub for vehicle imports in the U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg emphasized the economic impact of the bridge collapse and the need for swift action to address the situation.
The Biden administration is working to mitigate the economic consequences of the bridge collapse by offering support to affected businesses through the Small Business Administration and collaborating with the Department of Labor to assist workers who have lost their jobs due to the port’s closure. However, no timeline has been provided for when the port will reopen or the bridge reconstruction will be completed. The administration is focused on providing immediate relief and assistance to the impacted communities while working towards a long-term solution for the damaged infrastructure. President Biden’s visit aims to assess the situation firsthand and demonstrate his commitment to supporting the recovery efforts in Baltimore.
