Wreckage parts from the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse still remain on the shores of Baltimore’s outer harbor as crewmembers wait patiently for experts to devise a plan that will clear the path of destruction. The accident involving the 984-foot-long Dali vessel left six people dead and others awaiting rescue from the Patapsco River’s chilly waters at about 1:30 a.m. on March 26.
Since then, government officials ranging from Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott (D) to Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D) and President Joe Biden (D) have committed emergency funds to support the surrounding communities and local businesses.
“Earlier this afternoon, we took an aerial tour to survey the wreckage,” Biden shared at his April 5 visit on site. “From the air, I saw the bridge that’s been ripped apart. But here on the ground, I see a community that’s been pulled together.”
He commended the group of leaders including Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, Moore, Maryland Sens. Ben Cardin (D) and Chris Van Hollen (D), Maryland Rep. Kweisi Mfume (D), Scott, and Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski for their swift response in the wake of uncertainty.
Mfume and Van Hollen have partnered to introduce legislation that requests millions for the state’s financial relief efforts and federal aid to cover up to 90% of the cost of repairing the bridge. According to the White House, over 30,000 vehicles cross the bridge daily. Last year, Baltimore led the nation in tonnage imports of passenger vehicles, asphalt, zinc, nickel and aluminum wire as cited in the Census Bureau.
“The impact here has a significant impact everywhere — up and down the coast and around the country,” Biden explained. “Thousands of tons of mangled steel remain lodged in the water, blocking ships from moving in and out of the harbor.”
Analysts estimate the port’s closure could cost the economy as much as $15 million per day.
The U.S. Small Business Administration offers Economic Injury Disaster Loans for those businesses affected by the collapse.
“Our economic injury disaster loans have been made available swiftly with collaboration with Gov. Wes Moore and his team to make sure that small businesses could get the support that needed for them to be able to pivot and adapt,” Small Business Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman shared in a statement. “This economic impact is widespread. Our disaster declaration in Maryland allows for us to declare the disaster in contiguous counties and Pennsylvania, Delaware, Virginia, West Virginia and D. C. recognizing that this port had a strong economic impact across the region.”
She emphasized that through the disaster loans, all small businesses can tap into the emergency funds.
“We want all of our small businesses that see a disruption in their revenue to be able to be eligible to apply,” she continued.
The president and his team have projected a timeline that would present viable solutions over the next two months.
“So far, our team has been able to clear two small channels for essential ships helping clear the wreckage,” said Biden. “The Army Corps announced that by the end of April they will be able to open the third channel for some commercial traffic, including car carriers. And by the end of May, we’ll open the full channel.”
