President Joe Biden visits Baltimore to assess Key Bridge collapse and recovery efforts

 By Alexis Taylor

(Source AFRO)

President Joe Biden visited Baltimore on April 5, reiterating a federal commitment to help Maryland fully recover from the March 26 collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, reopen the Port of Baltimore to full capacity and support those affected by the accident.

Biden’s visit included an operational briefing where he received updates on response and recovery efforts and a meeting with officials on the local, state and federal level. The president also met with first responders to thank them and delivered remarks to the press before meeting with family members of the six victims who died in the collapse.

“The damage is devastating, and our hearts are still breaking. Eight construction workers went into the water when the bridge fell. Six lost their lives. Most were immigrants, but all were Marylanders — hard-working, strong, and selfless,” said Biden, standing on the banks of the Patapsco River.

Now, the president says, the tough work of clearing the debris and building back stronger begins, as the six construction workers who were killed are honored for their sacrifice.

“Within hours of the Maryland request, we approved $60 million in emergency federal funding. I fully intend — as the governor knows– to have the federal government cover the cost of rebuilding this entire bridge — all of it — as we’ve done in other parts of the country in similar circumstances,” said Biden, calling on Congress to authorize this effort as soon as possible.

Though $60 million was immediately approved for initial costs, Biden said more support is on the way.

The president’s visit came just one day after Isabel Casillas Guzman, leader of the Small Business Administration, spoke with residents and business owners about efforts to mitigate the economic fallout of the Key Bridge collapse. Two centers have been opened to help residents affected by the disaster recover financially with loans and grants.

According to information released by the SBA, “applicants in the declared area can apply for a federal Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) of up to $2 million to help overcome any temporary loss of revenue stemming from the bridge collapse. These loans may be used to pay normal operating expenses such as fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills that can’t be paid because of the disruption. The filing deadline to return economic injury applications is December 30, 2024.”

Expert crews are working hard to clear pathways to the Port of Baltimore, which supports more than 20,000 jobs. Two temporary channels have been opened to partially restore marine traffic to the port, as members of the Army Corps of Engineers work to create a third by the end of April. The ship that struck the bridge in the early morning hours of March 26 is still stranded in the Patapsco River, with the crew on board. Officials say the part of the ship used for habitation at sea was not damaged.

Biden was joined on April 5 by a wide array of leaders, including Maryland Governor Wes Moore, who spoke of a new partnership to help those affected.

“Today we launch a new partnership with leaders in the public and the private sectors. It is called the Maryland Sough Baltimore Strong Alliance,” said Moore. “The alliance is made up of leaders who are doubling down on their commitment to the city and their commitment to this state.”

Moore said that he has been in talks with business owners who use the Port of Baltimore and rely on Maryland waterways to conduct business.

“Many have agreed to not lay off employees. Many have agreed to return to Baltimore– even if they need to move somewhere else temporarily– and all have agreed to help us build a better future. Foundations, businesses, sports teams community champions have committed a combined $15 million thus far to support our workers and our neighbors. The Alliance is over 50 members strong and we are only getting stronger,” said Moore.

“I know our state’s largest city is being tested right now,  but Baltimore has been tested before we get knocked down–we stand back up and we dust ourselves off. We move forward. That is what we do and the people and the people of Maryland are grateful to have a full partner in this work like President Biden.”

Leaders at every level of government are adamant that the bridge be rebuilt– no matter how large the task.

“This port is over 300 years old. As a matter of fact… my great-great-grandfather worked here as a waterman in this bay. This port is older than our Republic. And it’s been through tough, tough times before,” said Biden. “This is going to take time, but Governor Moore, Senator Cardin, Senator Van Hollen, Congressman Mfume, Mayor Scott, County Executive Johnny O., and others are going to rebuild this bridge as rapidly as possible. And, folks, we’re determined to come back even stronger.”