Biden Announces Federal Funding for Baltimore Bridge Reconstruction- President Biden has announced federal funding to rebuild the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, following its collapse into the water when a cargo ship rammed into it. This decision comes amidst the ongoing investigation into the incident and the search for survivors.
Biden has vowed that the federal government will cover the entire cost of reconstructing the bridge, emphasizing the importance of the bridge to the economy and quality of life in the northeast. He has also expressed his intention to visit the site of the collapse in Baltimore as soon as possible.
Key Facts
- Biden’s pledge to cover the entire cost of rebuilding the bridge underscores the federal government’s commitment to supporting the region in the wake of the collapse. This move is expected to require congressional approval.
- The president’s emphasis on immediate action and cooperation between federal, state, and local officials highlights the need for swift and coordinated efforts to address the crisis.
- Biden’s decision to fund the reconstruction follows a precedent set by Congress, which unanimously voted to allocate $250 million for clean-up and reconstruction efforts after the collapse of the I-35W Bridge in Minneapolis in 2007.
The bridge, located on Interstate 695, was struck by the cargo ship Dali around 1:30 a.m., causing the entire steel structure to fall into the water. The Port of Baltimore, one of the nation’s largest shipping hubs, has been significantly impacted by the incident, with ship traffic suspended until the channel is cleared. The port handled a record amount of cargo last year, with 850,000 vehicles passing through annually, 15,000 jobs depending on it, and 30,000 vehicles crossing the bridge daily.
Biden’s announcement comes after Maryland Governor Wes Moore declared a state of emergency over the bridge collapse, emphasizing the need for federal resources to address the situation. The governor’s office has been in communication with U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and other local, state, and federal entities involved in the rescue efforts and response to the tragedy.
The president has also addressed the question of financial responsibility for the incident, stating that while the company behind the cargo ship could be held financially accountable, the immediate focus is on rebuilding the bridge and reopening the port. Biden has pledged to ensure that the federal government will pay for the entire cost of reconstructing the bridge and expects Congress to support this effort.
Biden says federal government will fund Baltimore bridge rebuild https://t.co/tbL6JFiLI6 pic.twitter.com/yWcfprAXtP
— Reuters World (@ReutersWorld) March 26, 2024
The collapse of the bridge has had a significant impact on the region, with authorities estimating that eight people were unaccounted for, although two have been rescued. The incident has led to a state of emergency in Maryland and Baltimore, with ship traffic in the Port of Baltimore suspended until the channel is cleared. The search and rescue mission remains the sole focus, with authorities indicating that they will continue until divers reach the “non-survivability point”.
In summary, President Biden has committed federal funding to rebuild the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, emphasizing the importance of the bridge to the local economy and the need for swift action to reopen the port. His announcement comes in the wake of a state of emergency declaration by Maryland Governor Wes Moore and amidst ongoing search and rescue efforts.
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