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Guy R.
Governor Wes Moore of Maryland held a press conference about the Francis Scott Key Bridge disaster. A ship crashed into the bridge, causing a lot of damage. The Governor thanked the Biden-Harris Administration for approving $60 million to help with recovery efforts. He outlined four priorities: focusing on recovery for families, clearing the channel for vessel traffic, taking care of those affected, and rebuilding the bridge. Divers are working in dangerous conditions to clear debris. The Governor emphasized the importance of the Port of Baltimore to the economy and announced a hotline for workers affected by the collapse. Politicians stressed the need for unity and support for the affected families. Mayor Brandon Scott thanked everyone for their help and emphasized the importance of bringing the missing people home.
The Dali ship slammed into the Key Bridge in the wee hours of Tuesday morning, leaving wreckage and a complicated situation behind.
During an evening press conference on March 28, 2024, Governor Wes Moore expressed gratitude that an initial $60 million request made to the Biden-Harris Administration was approved for mobilization, operations and debris recovery efforts to address the Francis Scott Key Bridge disaster.
While thanking various sources of support and federal partners, Gov. Moore mapped out four key priorities that will be taken as part of a recovery plan.
“The first: we need to continue to focus on recovery, because it is our obligation to bring a sense of closure to these families. The second: we need to clear the channel and open vessel traffic to the port because the health of the Maryland economy and the national economy depends on it. Third: we need to take care of all the people who have been affected by this crisis, and that means the families, that means the workers, that means the businesses, that means the first responders,” Gov. Moore said emphatically. “And fourth: we need to rebuild the Francis Scott Key Bridge.”
He clearly stated that a long road is ahead.
“Going forward, you can expect regular updates on each of these four directives,” Gov. Moore said, reminding that the tasks will not simply take days or weeks.
While specifically detailing recovery efforts, Gov. Moore explained that more work needs to be done to clear the channel.
He added, “As of last night, the Maryland State Police suspended diving operations, due to security concerns. And further engineering analysis is ongoing to determine our next steps to bring closure to the families and set the course for salvage operations.”
Divers have been working in debris-filled, dark waters. It is difficult for them to see.
Next, Gov. Moore stressed his second point which entails clearing the channel and opening the vessel traffic to the port. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers was expected to move the largest crane on the Eastern Seaboard to Baltimore by yesterday evening.
“I’ve said it before. I will say it again and I will keep on saying it. This is not just about Maryland. This is about the nation’s economy. The port handles more cars and more farm equipment than any other port in America. And at least 8,000 workers on the docks have jobs that have been directly affected by this collapse. Our economy depends on the Port of Baltimore and the Port of Baltimore depends on vessel traffic,” stated Gov. Moore.
He also mentioned that the Maryland Department of Labor established a hotline for unemployment insurance for workers affected by the collapse. The phone number is 667-930-5989.
Gov. Moore’s fourth and final point focused on the reality that the Key Bridge cannot be rebuilt until the debris is cleared.
“We are working closely with our partners to marshal the funds to move forward on that build, so we can be ready when we reach that point of the work,” he said.
“I say we are going to get through this because we are Maryland tough and we are Baltimore strong,” Gov. Moore remarked during his closing.
Other politicians, military officials and administrators spoke during the press conference.
U.S. Congressman Kweisi Mfume pointed out that divers are putting themselves at great risk, but they continue to plunge into the water.
“We understand that there were hazmat materials in several of the containers. “We’re concerned about what happens if that gets into the [Chesapeake] Bay,” he said.
The Congressman stated that working together, despite party affiliation, is critical.
“One of the important things here for me, on the other side of the aisle, is to make sure that I say to my colleagues who are across the aisle, that ‘this cannot and ought not be a partisan issue.’ And I’ve seen some of the comments that have come about and some of the things that are being said. Please resist that. Democrats and Republicans have to find a way to work together on this,” Congressman Mfume advised, making a plea to end any potential partisanship.
Baltimore’s Mayor Brandon Scott thanked Gov. Moore for his courageous leadership and President Joe Biden for moving swiftly.
“Also, the City is actively working with our partners to help families through this incredible time. The Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs has set up a fund through the Civic Funds to provide assistance to those directly impacted and is facilitating connections with local community-based organizations who are providing direct support in case management, crisis support and mental health to the families.”
Mayor Scott added, “There has been a tremendous amount of outpouring of support, and our team is working alongside our partners at the state and the federal teams— all the nonprofits and businesses and partners to make sure that we are coordinating these efforts to make sure that these families are not overburdened in the toughest time of their lives. We know the value of the Port of Baltimore to our city, the state and the country. Our residents— everybody depends on it, but our first priority continues to be making sure that we bring these people [the missing] home.”