After bridge collapse, Maryland governor urges Congress to pass funding for rebuild

NEW DELHI: Efforts to clean up the thousands of tons of steel debris are already underway afetr Francis Scott Key bridge collapsed in Baltimore's harbor. To assist the cleanup and reopening of the Port of Baltimore, an initial $60 million emergency aid package has already been released by the Biden administration. However, the final cost of rebuilding the bridge is estimated to reach at least $2 billion, a significant sum requiring approval from a divided Congress.
To secure federal funding necessary for the rebuilding efforts, Maryland Governor Wes Moore is calling for bipartisan cooperation.
Governor Moore emphasized the urgency of bipartisan action, stressing that the Port of Baltimore plays a crucial role in both the local and national economies. "We need to make sure that we're actually moving quickly to get the American economy going again," Moore stated in a recent interview with CNN.
Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg echoed Moore's sentiments, expressing optimism that Congress would approve the necessary funds. Buttigieg highlighted the bipartisan nature of infrastructure projects and emergency response efforts, urging swift action to address the crisis at hand.
The collapse occurred early on Tuesday morning when a container ship malfunctioned, resulting in the tragic deaths of six road workers and the obstruction of the Patapsco River shipping channel.
As cleanup efforts progress, officials are faced with the challenge of establishing alternate routes for essential marine traffic and determining the timeline for reopening the port. Despite these challenges, responders are working tirelessly to remove debris and assess the extent of the damage.
Amidst the wreckage, the search for the remaining bodies of the deceased construction workers has been hampered by hazardous conditions. Governor Moore and other officials have refrained from providing a definitive timeline for the reopening of the port and the reconstruction of the bridge.
President Biden is expected to visit the site of the bridge collapse in the coming days, underscoring the gravity of the situation and the federal government's commitment to supporting the recovery efforts. As Maryland grapples with the aftermath of this tragic event, the call for bipartisan unity resonates as a beacon of hope for the affected communities and the nation at large.
(With inputs from agencies)