Biden pledges full support for bridge restoration

In a rapid response to the devastating collision between a cargo container ship and the Francis Scott Key Bridge on March 26, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) announced the immediate release of $60 million in Emergency Relief (ER) funds to the Maryland Department of Transportation. The collision resulted in the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, claiming the lives of six individuals, and causing substantial disruption to regional and national transportation networks. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said he and others in the Biden-Harris administration understand that they must act with urgency, and he emphasized the federal government’s commitment to assisting Maryland in the bridge’s reconstruction. “The federal emergency funds we’re releasing today will help Maryland begin urgent work, with additional resources coming as recovery and rebuilding efforts progress,” Buttigieg stated.& He reiterated President Joe Biden’s assurance that the federal government would spare no effort in supporting the bridge’s rebuilding and restoring operations at the Port of Baltimore. FHWA Administrator Shailen Bhatt echoed Secretary Buttigieg’s sentiments, explaining to reporters and others the pivotal role of the Emergency Relief funds in facilitating initial repair efforts. Additionally, FHWA officials said the agency would provide technical assistance, conduct site...