BALTIMORE — Nearly nine months after the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, Congress announced Tuesday plans to cover the full cost of replacing the bridge.
The Francis Scott Key Bridge fell on March 26 after a ship, known as DALI, lost power twice before striking the bridge.
In October, the Department of Justice announced that the owner and operator of the cargo ship will have to pay more than $100M to the United States. However, that money will not cover any damages for the reconstruction of the Francis Scott Key Bridge.
In a joint statement, U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen (both D-Md.) said, Congress covering the cost of the bridge will allow it to be built as quickly as possible.
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“Following the tragic collapse of the Key Bridge in Baltimore in March, we led a federal response that was both immediate and all-encompassing," the statement reads. "...Since that day, we have fought to deliver the full support of the federal government -- including 100 percent federal funding for the replacement of the bridge."
Six people were killed when the bridge collapsed and plunged into the water below in March. Additionally, commuters lost a port of a critical highway when the bridge collapsed, closing the Port of Baltimore, and throwing people who work there in limbo.
“The collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge marked one of the darkest moments in Maryland history," said Maryland Governor Wes Moore in a statement released Tuesday night. "But in the wake of that tragedy, our people rallied. We came together across all parts of society, from our local communities to national leadership. Congress’ decision to work together to rebuild the Francis Scott Key Bridge marks a key moment in Maryland’s historic recovery and proves that moving in partnership isn’t just important – it is imperative for real progress."
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Moore further added that he has spoken with more than 150 members of Congress regarding the Francis Scott Key Bridge, which he called a national crisis that required an act of national unity.
“Winning this moment required a unified front, from the Maryland State House to the White House. President Biden said he would move heaven and earth to rebuild the Francis Scott Key Bridge as soon as humanly possible," Moore said.
Now, officials look at how to make sure the bridge is rebuilt on time and on budget while litigation continues.
" At the same time, we continue pursuing litigation against the owner and operator of the DALI, to ensure taxpayers aren’t bearing the burden of recovering from this tragedy," Moore said. "And together, we will, once again, prove what it means to be Maryland Tough and Baltimore Strong."