U.S. gives Maryland $60 million to rebuild collapsed Baltimore Bridge

The U.S. government on Thursday provided Maryland with $60 million in initial emergency funding to clear debris and begin rebuilding Baltimore’s collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge, the result of a very rapid disbursement in the wake of the disaster.

A large cargo ship that lost power hit a bridge in the Port of Baltimore early Tuesday, causing it to collapse. Two bodies have been recovered and four others are missing and presumed dead, believed to be trapped in a vehicle that fell into the water under concrete and steel.

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore requested $60 million earlier Friday, and within hours the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration approved the request to fund the emergency work.

Such funding typically takes days, but President Joe Biden told reporters on Tuesday that he directed the federal government to “do whatever it takes” to quickly rebuild the bridge, which is part of a highway that loops around Baltimore.

Moore told a news conference that the top priority was to recover the missing construction workers who were carrying out repairs on the bridge when the Dali hit a support column at around 1.30am on Tuesday.

Officials then hope to clear the waterway to resume shipping operations; care for workers, families and first responders affected by the tragedy; and rebuild bridges.

But first, a team of experts must assess how to remove the trapped vessel, which is carrying thousands of containers and is trapped by bridge debris. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is bringing in the largest crane on the East Coast to remove bridge debris, Moore said.

“The Dali is almost as long as the Eiffel Tower, and the Dali has the key bridge on top. We’re talking 3,000 or 4,000 tons of steel on top of that ship,” Moore said.

Diving operations were suspended Wednesday night due to safety concerns, and divers’ search for victims has been hampered by the size and density of debris, which blocks sunlight.

“In most situations, our divers can only see a foot or two in front of them, so most operations are by feel,” Moore said.

Federal officials told Maryland lawmakers that the final cost of rebuilding the bridge could soar to at least $2 billion, Roll Call reported, citing sources familiar with the discussions.

The U.S. Congress needs to fund a replacement bridge.

Maryland officials said the emergency funding will support “mobilization, operations and debris removal to lay the foundation for rapid recovery,” and the state may seek additional emergency funding as damage assessments progress.

The Singapore-flagged container ship Dali, bound for Sri Lanka, reported losing power and maneuverability before hitting the bridge’s support towers.

The impact caused much of the bridge to immediately plunge into the mouth of the Patapsco River, blocking the shipping channel and forcing the indefinite closure of the Port of Baltimore, one of the busiest ports on the U.S. East Coast.