Maryland Governor Wes Moore announced on Monday that he intends to meet with members of Congress to discuss support for the rebuilding of the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore. The bridge collapse has blocked the main shipping channel at the port for nearly two weeks.
Moore stated, “I’m going to be spending part of this week with our delegation going down and meeting with leaders and ranking members in the Congress and letting them know that this issue is not partisan. This is a patriotic responsibility to be able to support one of this country’s great economic engines.”
During the end of the legislative session on Monday, Maryland lawmakers approved a measure authorizing the use of the state’s rainy day fund to assist port employees, which was sent to Moore’s desk for signing. The emergency legislation is set to be signed on Tuesday.
The bridge collapsed on March 26 after being struck by the cargo ship Dali, causing the deaths of six workers. The bodies of three workers have been recovered, and the search for the other victims continues.
Moore emphasized the state’s commitment to supporting the families of the workers and bringing them closure. Temporary alternate channels have been cleared, and efforts are underway to restore normal capacity to the port by the end of May.
Progress has been made in removing debris from the river, with 350 tons of steel being pulled out on Sunday. Salvage divers and cranes are on site to assist in the removal of sections of the bridge blocking the waterway.
