ANNAPOLIS, Md. – Gov. Wes Moore reaffirmed Maryland’s commitment to rebuilding the Francis Scott Key Bridge in a statement Friday, responding to a letter from U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy as the state pushes ahead with one of the largest infrastructure projects in its history.
Moore reflected on the March 26, 2024 disaster, when the massive container ship Dali struck the bridge, sending it into the Patapsco River and killing six workers. He noted that within 11 weeks, crews had cleared the federal channel to the Port of Baltimore, a process some experts predicted could take nearly a year.
The governor said the bridge rebuild remains in the design phase, with demolition and pre-construction already underway. He emphasized the economic stakes, pointing out that 13 percent of Maryland’s economy is tied to the Port of Baltimore, which leads the nation in vehicle and farm equipment imports and ranks among the top U.S. ports for coal, salt, and total cargo volume.
Moore said his administration is coordinating with the Trump Administration on ways to reduce costs and speed construction. Price estimates for the project are expected to be finalized in the coming months, with the Maryland Department of Transportation slated to provide updates.
The governor also confirmed Maryland is pursuing litigation while using insurance settlements and advance construction funding to keep progress on track.
“The safety of the bridge and the sound stewardship of taxpayer dollars remain our top priority as we work to fully restore economic vitality,” Moore said.
Key Points
- Gov. Moore said the Francis Scott Key Bridge rebuild remains in design and pre-construction stages.
- The Port of Baltimore accounts for 13% of Maryland’s economy and leads the nation in vehicle imports.
- Maryland is working with federal officials to cut costs and accelerate the project while litigation and funding continue.
Maryland’s governor is keeping the pressure on to rebuild a bridge that carries the weight of the nation’s economy.
