Maryland governor calls on Congress for funding after bridge collapse

Baltimore bridge collapse led to the deaths of six workers after a container ship collided with a support pylon, causing a section of the bridge to fall into the Patapsco River, blocking the port’s shipping route

With ongoing efforts to clear up the extensive steel debris from the collapsed bridge in Baltimore’s harbor, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore called on Republicans to collaborate with Democrats in approving the necessary federal funding for reconstructing the bridge and revitalizing the port economy. 

The collapse of Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key bridge early on Tuesday resulted in the tragic deaths of six road workers, caused by a container ship, nearly as large as the Eiffel Tower, losing power and colliding with a support pylon. A significant portion of the bridge fell into the Patapsco River, obstructing the Port of Baltimore’s shipping route. 

In response to the disaster, the Biden administration swiftly allocated $60 million in initial emergency assistance on Thursday to aid in the cleanup of the bridge wreckage and the reopening of the port. The Port of Baltimore, renowned for its role in the “roll-on, roll-off” vehicle trade, has been non-operational since Tuesday, jeopardizing the livelihoods of approximately 15,000 individuals reliant on its daily activities. 

Federal authorities have informed Maryland legislators that the projected cost of rebuilding the bridge could climb to a minimum of $2 billion, as per Roll Call, citing an informed source. 

While Democratic President Joe Biden has committed to covering the expenses, the realization of this pledge hinges on the approval of funding legislation by both the Republican-led House of Representatives and the Democratic-led Senate. The divided Congress has been plagued by partisan disputes over funding, with staunch Republicans frequently conflicting even within their own party. 

Gov. Moore, a Democrat, emphasized the necessity for Republicans to endorse the funding not solely for Baltimore but for the national economy’s well-being. 

“The impetus for bipartisan cooperation is not to seek favors for Maryland but to expedite the revival of the American economy, given the pivotal role of the Port of Baltimore in our broader economic advancement,” Moore conveyed to CNN on Sunday. 

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg expressed confidence on Sunday in Congress’ willingness to approve the essential funds for the cleanup and reconstruction, highlighting the successful passage of Biden’s $1 trillion infrastructure package in 2021 as a precedent. 

“If anything in this nation transcends partisanship, it should be emergency response. This scenario encompasses both aspects, and I trust that Congress will be receptive when the time comes,” Buttigieg articulated on CBS’s “Face the Nation.” 

Biden’s visit to the bridge collapse site was anticipated later in the week. 

On Saturday, a massive crane initiated the dissection of sections of the collapsed bridge for subsequent removal, marking the initial phase of what is anticipated to be a protracted and intricate cleanup operation. A representative from the governor’s office disclosed on Sunday that a 200-ton (180-metric-ton) segment of the bridge had been extracted, with authorities deliberating on the optimal approach for dislodging the ship from the wreckage. 

Subsequently, officials announced on Sunday their preparations for establishing an alternative passage for “commercially indispensable vessels,” albeit with scarce specifics provided, and the timeline for the alternate route’s activation remained undisclosed. 

In an official statement, coordinator Capt. David O’Connell mentioned that the alternative route would facilitate the navigation of marine traffic into Baltimore. Footage released by responders depicted Coast Guard personnel deploying buoys near the collision site in the water. 

Due to the wreckage and adverse weather conditions, divers have been unable to continue the search for the remaining four deceased construction workers in recent days, as acknowledged by Governor Moore. 

Moore and other officials have refrained from offering a projected timeline for the port’s reopening and the bridge’s reconstruction. 

Source: Reuters