President Biden vowed that the federal government will pay to reconstruct the Francis Scott Key Bridge after it collapsed Tuesday morning.
“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 said in afternoon remarks.
“This is going to take some time,” he continued. “The people of Baltimore can count on us, though, to stick with them at every step of the way until the port is reopened and the bridge is rebuilt,” Biden said.
The Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, Maryland, collapsed after a large container ship struck a support tier, sending several vehicles into the river below. Eight people were believed to have fallen into the water due to the collapse, all of whom were part of the construction crew filling potholes on the bridge. Two people were recused alive and six people were still missing, as of Tuesday afternoon. The Coast Guard is actively searching the area.
“As I told Gov. [Wes] Moore, I've directed my team to move heaven and earth to reopen the port and rebuild the bridge as soon as humanly possible. And we're going to work hand-in-hand with the support of Maryland to support Maryland whenever they ask for it. We're going to work with our partners in Congress to make sure the state gets the support it needs.”
Biden also highlighted the Port of Baltimore’s role as a major shipping hub and its impact on the economy and employment.
“Around 850,000 vehicles go through that port every single year, and we're going to get it up and running again as soon as possible,” Biden said. “It's one of the most important elements for the economy in the Northeast and the quality of life.”
