President Joe Biden is set to visit Baltimore on Friday to assess the damage caused by the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge last week. The collapse occurred after a cargo ship rammed into the bridge, resulting in the death of six construction workers. Four of the victims are still missing, believed to be trapped within the debris of the collapsed bridge. The President has committed to taking a holistic approach to managing the aftermath of the collapse, working closely with state and local officials to reopen the port and rebuild the bridge.
In response to the collapse, President Biden has pledged that the federal government will cover the costs of clearing debris and reconstructing the bridge. While funding may be sourced from the Federal Highway Administration and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, additional support from Congress may be required for the project. The closure of the bridge has led to a halt in operations at Baltimore’s port, impacting approximately 8,000 jobs and resulting in a loss of around $2 million in daily wages for workers. The port had been a critical hub for trade, handling between $100 million and $200 million worth of trade daily before the collapse.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg highlighted the significant economic impact of the bridge collapse, emphasizing the importance of reopening the port and restoring trade flow. The administration is actively working to address the economic repercussions of the disaster, with the Small Business Administration opening business recovery centers in Baltimore County. Additionally, the Department of Labor is collaborating with local and state authorities to support workers who are currently unemployed due to the port’s closure. However, officials have not provided a definite timeline for the port’s reopening or the bridge’s reconstruction.
President Biden’s visit to Baltimore underscores his commitment to resolving the challenges posed by the bridge collapse and supporting the affected community. By engaging with Maryland Governor Wes Moore, the state’s congressional delegation, and Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott, the administration aims to coordinate efforts to facilitate the reopening of the port, reconstruction of the bridge, and provision of assistance to the people of Baltimore. The President’s visit aligns with his promise to take a whole-of-government approach towards addressing the collapse and its aftermath, demonstrating leadership and support for the affected individuals and businesses in the region.
