Achi news desk-
The Biden Administration has approved $60 million in federal funding to rebuild the Baltimore bridge that collapsed in the state of Maryland after being hit by a Singapore-flagged cargo ship on Tuesday, according to media outlets.
The US Department of Transportation on Thursday authorized the funding to begin the urgent reconstruction of the Francis Scott Key Bridge. The total cost of the project is expected to reach $2 billion.
“These funds are a down payment towards initial costs, and additional funding for the Emergency Relief program will be available as work continues,” the Department of Transport said in a statement.
The ship carrying almost 4,700 containers hit the bridge early on Tuesday morning leaving six people dead. The collapse of the structure brought traffic to a standstill at one of the US’s busiest ports.
“No one will ever forget the shocking images of a container ship hitting the Francis Scott Key Bridge, causing it to collapse and the tragic loss of six lives,” Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said in a statement. “The federal emergency funds we are releasing today will help Maryland begin emergency work, to be followed by further resources as recovery and rebuilding efforts continue.”
Maryland Gov. said. Wes Moore said the largest crane on the Eastern Seaboard is currently being transported by boat to help clear the ship’s channel of huge amounts of mangled metal and concrete from the collapse. The crane can lift up to 1,000 tonnes (987,104 kilograms) per load.
“This is not just about Maryland,” Moore said. “This is about the nation’s economy. The port handles more cars and more farm equipment than any other port in America.”
President Joe Biden had said the federal government will “move heaven and earth” to rebuild the bridge, which has been met with backlash from Republican lawmakers concerned about excessive government spending.
“The very thought of having the Federal Government pay for the Baltimore bridge is TOTALLY ABSURD!!!” U.S. Rep. Ralph Norman told The Hill. “This is an example of the old slogan ‘PETER’S ROBBERY TO PAUL PAUL!!'”
The National Transport Safety Board is in the initial stages of investigating the accident.
