The White House said on Monday that President Biden is going to Baltimore on Friday to visit the location where the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed.
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre stated when the announcement was made, “We are with you Baltimore, and we will be there to get this done.”
Biden had promised to visit Baltimore, stating on Friday he intended to visit with Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D). Soon after the collapse early Tuesday morning, Biden stated he planned to go to the site “as quickly as” he can.
Jean-Pierre mentioned that Biden is still leading a “whole of government” approach to address the collapse, which led to six deaths and has temporarily shut down one of the busiest ports in the country. She stated that Biden has been collaborating with Moore to reopen the port and reconstruct the bridge.
The Francis Scott Key Bridge, located on Interstate 695, fell into the water after it was struck around 1:30 a.m. Tuesday by the Dali cargo ship, which was en route to Sri Lanka.
Biden has pledged that the federal government will cover the expenses to rebuild the bridge, but this has faced opposition from conservative budget-conscious individuals. The Department of Transportation has provided $16 million for the bridge, described by Jean-Pierre as a “down payment.” She mentioned that the White House will keep discussing with Congress for assistance, adding that the president has committed to doing “everything we can to make sure that bridge gets back up.” Acting Labor Secretary Julie Su went to Baltimore on Monday for meetings with stakeholders, Jean-Pierre said. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg also went to Baltimore on the day of the collapse.
There is no set timeline
for the reopening of the Port of Baltimore, and authorities have stated it will take “some time” for the bridge to be rebuilt.
President Biden is set to travel to Baltimore on Friday to visit the site of the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge, the White House announced Monday. “We are with you Baltimore, and we will be there to get this done,” White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said when making the announcement. Biden himself had vowed to visit… for when the Port of Baltimore can reopen, and officials have said it will take “some time” for the bridge to be rebuilt.
