President Joe Biden is set to visit the site of the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore to observe the ongoing efforts to clear the debris. The collapse occurred on March 26, tragically claiming the lives of six workers, with only two bodies recovered so far. The workers, immigrants from Central America, were performing maintenance on the bridge when the incident took place.
The U.S. Coast Guard and Army Corps of Engineers will provide updates to President Biden during his visit. A temporary alternate channel has been established for vessels affected by the closure of the shipping lane. The Army Corps of Engineers aims to open a limited-access channel by the end of the month and restore full capacity by May 31, crucial for the flow of goods through Baltimore's port.
The economic impact of the bridge collapse is significant, with up to $200 million in cargo passing through the port daily. The Federal Highway Administration has allocated $60 million in emergency relief funds for immediate cleanup and reconstruction efforts. Estimates suggest that the total cost of recovery could exceed $400 million and take 18 months to complete.
President Biden has pledged federal support for the reconstruction of the bridge, emphasizing the government's commitment to cover all costs. The administration is seeking congressional authorization to fund the cleanup and rebuilding entirely, drawing parallels to past bipartisan efforts following disasters like the Minneapolis bridge collapse in 2007.
The incident has political implications as Biden faces the upcoming election, with comparisons drawn to the administration's response to previous infrastructure challenges. Despite the challenges posed by the bridge collapse, the administration continues to advocate for its public works package, highlighting the importance of investing in infrastructure for future generations.
Governor Wes Moore of Maryland has also been thrust into the spotlight, as efforts to address the bridge collapse unfold. President Biden's personal connection to the Key bridge, having crossed it numerous times during his commute, underscores the significance of the disaster and the subsequent recovery efforts.
