DUNDALK, Md. — A big undertaking is getting some big help, as federal funds will soon be flowing to help the recovery and rebuild efforts of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, Maryland.
In a press conference Thursday, Governor Wes Moore (D-Maryland) announced a request for help had been approved by the White House.
"We submitted an initial $60 million request to the Biden-Harris administration for initial mobilization operations and bridge recovery efforts." Governor Moore said. "I can report and as of this afternoon the Biden-Harris administration has approved that request."
It's significant aid that will be needed throughout each step of the process.
Rear Admiral Shannon Gilreath with the U.S. Coast Guard laid out the basic plan of attack.
"Step one is we're going to clear the debris from the channel. Step two, remove the vessel," Gilreath said. "And three, remove the rest of the bridge debris from the waterway."
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will be tasked with clearing the channel.
The Baltimore District activated its emergency operations center, which clears the way for more than 1,100 specialists to provide support.
"This is very complex," Baltimore District Commander Colonel Estee Pinchasin said. "We're still wrapping our heads around what all it's going to take."
Pinchasin, who was on hand to help the Ever Forward dislodge from the Chesapeake Bay in 2022, says they will have to take down and dismantle what’s left of the bridge to get the port reopened.
"The priority for us will be restoring the 50-foot channel to allow commercial traffic in and out of the port," she said.
Governor Moore is assuring the public these efforts are moving quickly.
"This work is moving together at a full clip," he said. "This work is moving forward together."
Reporters at Thursday's update asked the governor about a timeline for a rebuild. He simply answered saying the process would be “daunting and complicated.”
U.S. Senator for Maryland Chris Van Hollen also spoke Thursday. He said the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will pay for the full cost of clearing the channel, to minimize impacts on the U.S. supply chain.
There were also questions about hazardous materials in the water, as reported by the NTSB on Wednesday.
Governor Moore addressed those concerns, saying more than 2,400 absorbent blooms have been placed in the water and that there’s no risk to the public.