Maryland Governor Wes Moore (D) expressed concern about the extensive effects of the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse, highlighting its significant impact on the national economy.
“It’s not only a major impact on Maryland; this will also significantly affect the national economy. We're referring to… one of the busiest ports in the entire country,” Moore stated during an interview with “Fox News Sunday.” “A port that handles more cars, heavy trucks, and agricultural equipment than any other port in the country.”
“This is affecting the farmer in Kentucky; it’s affecting the auto dealer in Ohio; it’s affecting the restaurant in Louisiana and in Tennessee,” he added later, “So, it really becomes a national priority to have the Port of Baltimore operational again.”
A cargo ship called Dali was en route to Sri Lanka last Tuesday night when it collided with the Francis Scott Key Bridge, leading to the bridge collapsing into the Patapsco River. Officials stated that the 984-foot Singapore-flagged ship lost power while trying to leave the Baltimore Harbor.
The Port of Baltimore has been shut down since the bridge collapse and is a major shipping center on the East Coast. Axios reported last week that the port sustains over 15,000 direct jobs and over 139,000 indirect jobs associated with the port, totaling about $3.3 billion in personal income.
Crews began removing the first piece of wreckage from the bridge on Saturday, marking the start of what Moore described as a “remarkably complex process.” Officials have not provided a definite timeline for the removal and eventual reconstruction of the bridge.
The Department of Transportation dispensed $60 million in emergency funding last week, and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg on Sunday said additional funding will be allocated.
Moore stated that the assistance for Maryland is for more than just the state.
“The support that we’re seeing… it’s not because anyone’s trying to do Maryland a favor. It’s because the national economy relies on the Port of Baltimore,” he expressed on Sunday.
