ANNAPOLIS, Md. – In the wake of the recent bridge collapse in Maryland, Governor Wes Moore is set to meet with congressional members this week. The goal of the meetings is to secure support for the reconstruction of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, which has caused significant disruption to Baltimore’s port over the past two weeks.
During an interview with the Associated Press, Governor Moore expressed that the restoration of the bridge is not a matter of politics but a matter of national importance. “This is a patriotic responsibility to be able to support one of this country’s great economic engines,” stated Moore. He highlighted the port’s vital role in the state’s economy and its impact on local employment.
As the Maryland legislative session came to a close on Monday, there was a strong push to pass a bill that would allow the usage of the state’s rainy day fund to aid port employees affected by the disaster.
The bridge’s collapse on March 26 was caused by the cargo ship Dali, which lost power while en route to Sri Lanka from Baltimore. Despite a mayday call that enabled police to prevent traffic on the bridge, a maintenance crew working on site was not able to be saved in time. Six workers, hailing from Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador, are presumed to have died in the Patapsco River, with three bodies recovered thus far.
Governor Moore stressed the ongoing efforts to provide closure to the victims’ families and the continued recovery operations. He also reported on the development of temporary channels to partially restore the flow of traffic at the port. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers aims to open a restricted-access channel by late April and hopes to return the port to full capacity by the end of May.
Moore commended the quick progress made to clear the channels and remove debris. A staggering 350 tons (318 metric tons) of steel were extracted from the river in a single day. The salvage operation features over 50 divers and 12 cranes, which are working diligently to section off and extricate the bridge from the critical waterway. Efforts are also being made to free the ship by removing bridge parts that are obstructing its path.
FAQ Section
What caused the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse?
The collapse was the result of the cargo ship Dali losing power and hitting the bridge.
How many victims were affected by the bridge collapse?
Six workers from the maintenance crew are presumed dead, with three bodies having been recovered to date.
What steps are being taken to assist the families of the victims?
Governor Wes Moore has emphasized that the state is focused on recovering the victims and providing closure for their families.
What is the current status of the port following the collapse?
A limited-access channel for certain ships is expected to be open by the end of April, with a return to full capacity estimated by the end of May.
Conclusion
The recent collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge has presented Maryland with numerous challenges, from the tragic loss of life to the disruption of a critical economic hub. However, the response efforts, including the swift move to create temporary alternative channels at the port, and the impending meetings between Governor Moore and Congress, exemplify the commitment to recovery and reconstruction. The bipartisan support for rebuilding not only underscores the significance of the port to the nation’s economy but also represents a collective determination to rise from this disaster with resilience.