The state of Maryland has requested $60 million in emergency relief funds from the federal government “for our immediate response efforts and to lay the foundation for a rapid recovery,” Gov. Moore said after Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed.
“President Biden and all our federal partners have given Maryland tremendous support as we face an overwhelming tragedy impacting our state, our region and the people of Baltimore,” said Governor Moore.Â
“This initial emergency relief request is needed for our immediate response efforts, and to lay the foundation for a rapid recovery.”
According to officials, the request, made by the Maryland Department of Transportation and the Maryland Transportation Authority to the Federal Highway Administration, is needed for the state to proceed as quickly and safely as possible with debris removal, demolition, traffic operations and other emergency needs.
President Joe Biden pledged the federal government’s support after a cargo ship rammed the Francis Scott Key Bridge early Tuesday morning outside of Baltimore, causing the span to buckle and plunge into the water below.
This emergency relief request is not related to bridge reconstruction efforts. Earlier this week, President Biden stated the federal government would pay for the entire cost of reconstructing the Francis Scott Key Bridge, and both he and Maryland’s Congressional delegation have pledged support to the people of Baltimore.
Maryland officials say the bodies of two victims have been recovered following the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge Tuesday. Four others known to have fallen into the river are still missing.
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