Biden Announces Federal Funding for Baltimore Bridge Reconstruction

President Joe Biden has promised that the federal government will cover the complete cost of rebuilding the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore. The bridge, one of the busiest in the nation, collapsed after being struck by a large freight ship.

“It’s my intention that the federal government will pay for the entire cost of reconstructing that bridge and I expect the Congress to support my effort,” Biden stated from the White House before heading to North Carolina.

Early on Tuesday, a massive freight ship collided with the bridge, causing it to collapse and sending cars and individuals into the river below. The incident closed down one of the Eastern Seaboard’s busiest ports.

Rescuers managed to save two survivors, one of whom was taken to the hospital, and are currently conducting search operations in the Patapsco River for any additional individuals who may be missing after the collapse.

“I know every minute in that circumstance feels like a lifetime,” Biden empathized with those waiting for news on the missing individuals. The president emphasized that the search and rescue mission is the top priority.

The Francis Scott Key Bridge was a crucial route for drivers traveling between New York and Washington seeking to avoid downtown Baltimore. With a traffic volume of 31,000 cars per day or 11.3 million vehicles per year, it was one of three ways to cross the Baltimore Harbor.

In response to queries about why the federal government should foot the bill if the ship or its operator may be at fault, Biden stated, “That could be, but we’re not going to wait for that to happen. We’re going to pay for it to get the bridge rebuilt and opened.”

Typically, large-scale infrastructure projects are funded by a combination of state and federal governments.

Biden mentioned that he plans to visit Baltimore “as quickly as I can,” but did not provide a specific timeframe.