Maryland Governor Reveals Plan to Clean Up After Cargo Ship Collides with Bridge in Baltimore
In a recent announcement, Maryland’s governor has shared initial details of his strategy to address the aftermath of a cargo ship crashing into a major bridge in Baltimore, resulting in the tragic death of six individuals.
Biden Administration Approves $60m Emergency Funds
To assist with the cleanup efforts, the Biden administration has granted approval for $60 million (£47 million) in emergency funds that were requested by Maryland.
Governor Wes Moore Outlines Cleanup Process
Governor Wes Moore provided insight into the plan, which includes clearing debris, removing the ship, extracting bridge pieces, and ultimately rebuilding the structure.
Challenges Ahead
“We have a very long road ahead of us,” Governor Moore expressed during a news conference, emphasizing the numerous challenges that lie ahead in the cleanup process.
Complex Operation
One significant hurdle mentioned by the governor is the size of the cargo vessel, named the Dali, which is nearly as long as the Eiffel Tower.
Intensive Cleanup Efforts
The situation is complicated by the fact that the Key Bridge is positioned on top of the vessel, making the cleanup operation intricate and demanding.
Resource Deployment
The state has requested a range of resources to aid in the cleanup, including assistance from the US Army Corps of Engineers and the deployment of specialized cranes.
Protecting Against Hazardous Materials
Authorities have taken measures to protect against hazardous materials from the cargo ship, including deploying water containment booms in the surrounding area.
Economic Support for Affected Workers
The state also plans to provide economic support to workers impacted by the crash, as thousands of jobs have been affected by the incident.
Financial Support for Reconstruction
While the recovery costs are expected to be substantial, the state is eligible for additional federal emergency relief funds, with President Joe Biden expressing support for federal funding to rebuild the bridge.
Importance of Swift Reconstruction
During the news conference, officials emphasized the critical need to expedite the reconstruction of the bridge to avoid disruptions to global supply chains and ensure the safety of the port of Baltimore.
